One big question every PWHL team faces in Season 2 — Trending women’s hockey news

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Boston Fleet

Can the offense break through?

Last season, Boston finished dead last in the PWHL in scoring, with just 50 goals in 24 games (2.08 per game). Things got even worse for them in the playoffs, with just 12 goals in eight games (1.5 per game). While they still came close to winning it all, their offense has to improve this season. 

Luckily for Fleet fans, that should be the case. GM Danielle Marmer emphasized speed and transitional defenders in the draft and has already signed forward Hannah Bilka and defenders Daniela Pejšová and Sydney Bard. The rest are expected to fight for spots in training camp. While the new faces will be big boosts, the Fleet will also need some of their returners to step up. Captain Hilary Knight is perhaps the one they need to find her groove the most. She improved a bit as the season went on, but she has another gear she can hit, and she proved it still exists at the 2024 Worlds.

Minnesota Frost

Can they put the offseason chaos behind them?

Despite capturing the inaugural Walter Cup, Minnesota had a rocky start to the offseason. Inaugural GM Natalie Darwitz was unceremoniously ousted, rumors flew of a toxic culture, and head coach and then interim GM Ken Klee and his staff capped it off by picking controversial forward Britta Curl in the draft. My colleague over at TIG, Angelica Rodriguez, discussed all the drama with relevant links in her column here. But to make things simple: new GM Melissa Caruso has a tall task to get everyone to put all the drama behind them in hopes of defending their title. It’s certainly possible, but it’ll require some work.

Montréal Victoire

How does their depth hold up?

The Victoire looked like perhaps the most complete team in the PWHL heading into last season. However, they were rocked by several injuries that tested that theory. Particularly in the playoffs, head coach Kori Cheverie and staff rode their top players heavily. Whether or not that was smart is debatable, but it sent a clear message that they did not believe their depth would win them games. GM Danièle Sauvageau has brought in a lot of new faces that should change that but, like I said, we’ve been here before. Can their new depth stay healthy, earn the coaching staff’s trust, and help the team win games? Or, will we see a repeat of last season?

New York Sirens 

Will new head coach Greg Fargo and the new faces be enough to change the culture?

There is no denying that New York did not live up to expectations last season. On paper, they should’ve had a decent team. Many even had them ranked in the top half of the PWHL. However, rumors of locker room friction and a general lack of stability led to them finishing last in the league. Inaugural head coach Howie Draper has since transitioned into an advisory role with the team, and former Colgate head coach Greg Fargo is now at the helm. GM Pascal Daoust had a strong draft but has not made many signings this offseason, instead making players earn spots in camp — which is the smart move. While things are certainly going in the right direction, you still have to wonder: will the new coach and new faces be enough to start changing the culture in New York? Or are they doomed to another bottom-feeding PWHL season?

Ottawa Charge 

Will they be able to find consistency?

After a rocky start to the season, a midseason surge found Ottawa in the driver’s seat for the fourth and final playoff spot. However, they fell back apart following the Worlds break. They kept showing flashes of greatness, but consistency was a huge problem. Heading into training camps, Ottawa is the most complete PWHL team with 12 forwards, six defenders and three goaltenders already signed. Not all the contracts are guaranteed, but it’s an interesting strategy for a team that needs to figure some things out. That’s not to say it can’t work though, and as long as they find a way to be more consistent this year they should be in a good position to fight for a playoff spot.

Toronto Sceptres

Do they have enough defensive depth?

Renata Fast and Jocelyne Larocque return to anchor Toronto’s defense and will be relied on heavily again. But, what happens if either of them gets injured? Megan Carter, Kali Flanagan and Allie Munroe are perfectly capable, but it’s unclear who will round out the group. It likely won’t be determined until after camp, so they’re counting on invites to step up and prove they belong. Their forward depth is impressive, so even if Natalie Spooner doesn’t replicate her magical season, the Sceptres should be fine up front. However, it is fair to wonder if they’re one injury away from defensive disaster, even with reigning Goaltender of the Year Kristin Campbell in the crease.

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Links

Gigi Marvin leaves behind a lasting legacy — The Ice Garden. TIG’s Melissa Burgess reflects on Gigi Marvin’s storied career after she announced her retirement earlier this week.

Stick taps and snark: Oct. 8, 2024 — The Victory Press. Nicole Haase looks at some of the best and worst moments in NCAA D1 women’s hockey this past week.

Five questions with Amy Budde — The Ice Garden. TIG’s LJ Bachenheimer chatted with Amy Budde, a former player who was recently named head coach of her alma mater, Lake Forest College. 

Nicole’s NCAA notebook: Oct. 7, 2024 — The Victory Press. Nicole Haase dives into some need-to-know stats following last weekend’s slate of NCAA D1 games.

Lauriane Rougeau retires to take on hockey operations role with Toronto Sceptres — The Hockey News. Toronto Sceptres defender Lauriane Rougeau announced her retirement on Wednesday after a decorated career. However, she won’t be going anywhere as she transitions into a management role with the Sceptres.