The PWHL has officially hit the halfway mark, and what a season it’s been so far! We’ve seen powerhouse performances, surprising struggles, and everything in between. Montreal is running away with the top spot, while Ottawa is desperately looking for answers at the bottom.
Here’s PWHL Report Net’s take on the six franchises in the league after the midseason mark:
Ottawa Charge (6th Place, 5-0-2-8)
Ottawa is in trouble. They’re struggling in every aspect—last in goals scored, last in power play success (9.7%), most penalties taken, and giving up the most shots. Yikes. Stars like Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Katerina Mrázová need to step up.
Their trade sending Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra to Toronto hasn’t helped either. The bright spot? Emerance Maschmeyer in net—she’s kept them in games, but she can’t do it alone. The coaching staff needs to shake things up, or this second half will be just as painful.
Boston Fleet (5th Place, 3-3-2-5)
Boston can’t seem to catch a break. They’re competitive in every game, but they’re just not finishing. The resurgence of Alina Müller is a bright spot, and rookie Hannah Bilka is progressing well. However, secondary scoring has been nearly non-existent.
A trade might be on the horizon to shake things up. Goaltending is another issue—Emma Söderberg has struggled, and it’s time to give Klara Peslarova a shot. If Boston can add some offense and find consistency in net, they could turn things around in the second half.
Toronto Sceptres (4th Place, 5-0-4-6)
Toronto had a brutal start to the season, but things are looking up. The return of Megan Carter helped, but what’s really turned things around is the resurgence of Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull. The team struck gold in an early-season trade that brought in Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra from Ottawa, and young players like Julia Gosling and Daryl Watts are starting to shine.
Their biggest problem? Goaltending. Kristen Campbell hasn’t been able to turn things around, and it even cost her a Team Canada spot. Raygan Kirk has been better, but not outstanding. If they can figure things out in the crease, Toronto could make a run.
New York Sirens (3rd Place, 4-3-2-5)
New York has a top line that carries the team. Sarah Fillier, Alex Carpenter, and Jessie Eldridge are lighting it up, but the team’s depth scoring? Not so much. The good news: they have the best penalty kill in the league (91.4% efficiency), and their blue line is showing improvement thanks to Micah Zandee-Hart, Maja Nylen Persson, and Ally Simpson.
In goal, Corinne Schroeder is still a top goalie in the league, and rookie Kayle Osborne has proven she can handle the backup role. If New York can get a bit more from their bottom six, they’ll be a real threat.
Minnesota Frost (2nd Place, 5-4-2-4)
Minnesota’s top line of Taylor Heise, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Michela Cava is keeping them competitive, but their biggest surprise? Claire Thompson. The rookie defender is playing beyond expectations, powering their offense while adding leadership to the locker room.
15 games down, 15 more to go. pic.twitter.com/30kQ83fX2e
— Minnesota Frost (@PWHL_Minnesota) January 29, 2025
Injuries have been a challenge (Zumwinkle, Petrie, and Jaques have all missed time), but they’re pushing through. The big question? Goaltending. Maddie Rooney is outplaying Nicole Hensley right now, but Minnesota’s strategy is to ride the hot hand. If they can find consistency in net, they’ll be dangerous down the stretch.
Montreal Victoire (1st Place, 8-3-1-2)
Montreal is simply on fire. Head coach Kori Cheverie is pushing all the right buttons, making in-game adjustments that have her team thriving. Of course, having Marie-Philip Poulin leading the charge helps—she’s back in beast mode with 10 goals, proving why she’s the best in the world.
But it’s not just Poulin carrying the load. Young stars Jennifer Gardiner and Abby Boreen have clicked with her in a big way, and goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens is shutting the door, leading the league in goals-against average (1.77) and save percentage (.935). Their defense? Quietly dominant. With this level of play, Montreal looks like the team to beat.
🐐🧱 https://t.co/aMWMgoYVwc pic.twitter.com/jKaEqwegYb
— Victoire de Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) February 3, 2025
With half the season in the books, teams are starting to show their true colors. Montreal looks dominant, Minnesota and New York have strong foundations, Toronto is trending up, Boston is hanging on, and Ottawa is scrambling for answers. With a Walter Cup on the line, expect plenty of drama in the second half!
Who will rise? Who will fall? Buckle up, PWHL fans—the best is yet to come!