Twenty-Three PWHL Players named to Canada’s National Women’s Team Roster

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2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship to take place April 9-20 in Czechia

NEW YORK AND TORONTO – Twenty-three players from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will represent Canada at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in České Budějovice, Czechia, from April 9-20. Canada’s full 25-player National Women’s Team roster was announced today by Hockey Canada.

Canada’s roster features 23 PWHL players: two goaltenders, seven defenders and 14 forwards representing five PWHL teams. The Toronto Sceptres lead the way with eight players, followed by the Montréal Victoire with six, the Ottawa Charge with four, the New York Sirens with three, and the Minnesota Frost with two.

Goaltenders: Kristen Campbell (TOR), Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL).

Defenders: Erin Ambrose (MTL), Renata Fast (TOR), Sophie Jaques (MIN), Jocelyne Larocque (OTT), Ella Shelton (NY), Claire Thompson (MIN), Micah Zandee-Hart (NY).

Forwards: Emily Clark (OTT), Sarah Fillier (NY), Jennifer Gardiner (MTL), Brianne Jenner (OTT), Emma Maltais (TOR), Hannah Miller (TOR), Sarah Nurse (TOR), Kristin O’Neill (MTL), Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL), Danielle Serdachny (OTT), Natalie Spooner (TOR), Laura Stacey (MTL), Blayre Turnbull (TOR), Daryl Watts (TOR).

Of the 25 players on the roster, Poulin has the most World Championship experience as a 12-time medalist (four gold, seven silver, one bronze), including three golds in the last four tournaments. Gardiner, Jaques, Miller and Watts are among six players on the roster who will make their World Championship debut.

Team Canada’s staff includes several PWHL representatives: General Manager Gina Kingsbury (TOR), Head Coach Troy Ryan (TOR), Assistant Coaches Kori Cheverie (MTL) and Caroline Ouellette (MTL), Goaltending Consultant Brad Kirkwood (TOR), Strength and Conditioning Coach Vicki Bendus (MTL), and Equipment Manager Alana Goulden (TOR).

The 2024-25 PWHL regular-season schedule continues with games through Apr. 2 before pausing for the World Championship, with the season resuming on April 26.

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PWHL Editor
Profile: A dedicated analyst of the Professional Women’s Hockey League with a strong command of the sport’s tactical structure, player development pathways, and evolving competitive landscape. This columnist delivers comprehensive weekly coverage that blends statistical insight, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping the modern PWHL. Background: With extensive experience following elite women’s hockey, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and the league’s rapid growth. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking organizational strategy across all PWHL markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Player performance evaluation and advanced metrics Draft coverage, free‑agency movement, and team‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, tactical systems, and special‑teams trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex systems and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time hockey fans and new followers of the PWHL. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful analysis, and a deep appreciation for the league’s growth, competitiveness, and cultural impact.