That’s awesome to hear, and she definitely was a big reason for the success of the league. I’m crossing my fingers as well, she deserves another great season.

Ottawa

Agreed, they've got players who could play top line minutes or be used on a third line/special teams (Woods, Miller, Connors, Daniel, Maltais)

she's also referencing to the injuries for the team and saying some of her injured players might start the next season on the injury list. (Laskova is the only signed injured player I know of, but I'm spitballing.)

@@guillaumelevasseur277 Marchment perhaps? I wonder how serious Laskova’s injury is…

@@gamedayhockey marchment is possible for sure.

@@gamedayhockey My guess for a one-year plus injury would be an ACL injury, but that's also a bit of a shot in the dark.

@@guillaumelevasseur277 I agree. I'm also wondering if Spooner might miss the entire next season - no one has said anything but an ACL can be 9 months, which would be February, and recovering fully to return to high speed contact sports could be a year. I'm gutted to think about this.

Oh, she's 100% a great player, she was going to go in the first round for sure because Montreal would've loved to reunite her with Ambrose.

You’re very welcome! Thanks for the feedback. 🏒💜

Curtl just always comes out as "cocky" for a lack of a better word, so she might play with an edge......

I had an answer typed out and then I lost it. Basically, I do think there is a middle ground and already the PWHL has shifted a little bit away from the all-out hitting at the start. However, yes, the North American players do need to adapt. But also many of them have played in the NCAA and are used to that standard, and as well, many of the European players played in the SDHL where there is more hitting. And also, there isn’t the size discrepancy among the women like there would be from a small male player to a huge person like Matt Rempe. The women’s game is already more skill-based and so I think many of these factors will even things out. The bigger difference will be when other countries like Czechia and Switzerland and Sweden start to produce more players who join the PWHL and the sport continues to grow in those countries.

No worries - I know you were waiting for this one! Yes, she looked a little defiant, which might not be a bad thing on the ice. :)

Remind me, who won the PWHL Championship this year? Minnesota is just like Canada except we are farther north than Toronto and It's an entire state that cheers on our team and not just a big city and some suburbs. You have a nice day Mark. Love all your classic rock videos...Or should I say Classic AMERICAN Rock Videos. Minnesota Nice is our motto, except maybe me.

@@richardlaub889 Wow! So you have “one” state that loves hockey! We have a whole country!

@@richardlaub889Minnesota nice with Bitter Girl on your team? How deliciously ironic!😂

You guys argue this amongst yourselves lol

@@leecox6241 You're not ready to do battle with me...Have a nice day and Bless You.

Thank you! I have an autographed Hayley Wickenheiser jersey from Team Canada 1998 (Klara asked me about that one as well!) and the others are PWHL Toronto and Montreal. I have a few others (Maple Leafs, NHL) but I'm not really a collector. The Wickenheiser is my favorite because I worked with a women's hockey company that got it signed specifically for me. Those original Canadian players are very special to me.

I’m going to wait for a little more clarity, just as with the Natalie Darwitz situation, there are some things we may never know as to the timing of who said what. A conflict of interest is possible in a lot of ways but it seems people know some parts but not others.

@@gamedayhockey fair enough. The article is very nuanced if ever you want to understand the concerns expressed and their potential relevance. English being my second language, I'm happy that someone researched and expressed what I instictively deduced.

Klára is well deserving of a tryout on my opinion. There’s nothing to lose to see how she fares next to the other goalies.

@@gamedayhockey good luck to her!

minnesota went with 4 goalie last year, nothing to lose by trying out of course.

I think overall New York had the best draft, they got Maja Nylén Persson after trading down and gained an extra pick. A couple of sneaky good picks and Fillier is going to be incredible!

Yes, as I mentioned! It's coming up next, takes a while to get through all of these, thank you for your patience!

@@gamedayhockey Sorry not trying to rush you...Really didn't know if they had a press conference or not. I assumed they skipped it.

@@richardlaub889 No worries at all, I have so much footage and clips from the draft and awards, it's taking me a long time. Sorry that Minnesota is the last one, hope you enjoyed these anyway! Always so nice to see the happiness on draft day.

You can tell that she is going to be a fan favorite for sure.

They did, it’s coming up shortly with both Curl and Ken Klee. Claire Thompson was available remotely.

Good point! and two Patty Kazmeier winners, Izzy and Daryl. although Minnesota and Boston have three.

I believe the politically correct term is “grit”. 😂

😉 sounds great!!!!

georgia the super fan!!! love it!

She would be taking a discount anywhere she played in the PWHL.

Of course she wants to play in Toronto! With that lineup

As many have pointed out, there just aren’t that many dollars, these aren’t six-figure contracts. Location, opportunity, personal fit are the deciding factors.

Good points, everyone probably wants to play close to home if possible

@@markd8469 the reality is That even the highest paid player in the pwhl would make less than half their money in the league if they play for team Canada. Also if Watts own property in Toronto going elswhere for 10k or less might not make sense(my understanding is100 k stipend for team Canada)

Maybe it means she likes them as players?

They were invited to a summer camp, not guaranteed a spot. And probably others were invited who (gasp) WEREN'T signed by Toronto.

@@gamedayhockey i expected somewhat more robust pushback since watts is from toronto or lives their from what people told me, but.... as I said.... MTL and OTT need to draft and use guile to compete!

If Emma Woods make team Canada then we are in serious trouble. It’s not a knock against her but she’s 3 or 4th line at best on Toronto let alone Team Canada

the inclusivity issue is very serious in many people's perspective, which is totally valid.

@@guillaumelevasseur277 I’m sorry you feel that way and others. Minnesota will be just fine and run back another championship

didn't say the worst, just that everything went right and could be expected to fall back a little. I don't think they drafted well.

@@3dogcats already a championship core in place we drafted for depth. I believe Curl will be in the running for rookie of the year. Jaques and Thompson should be the best defenders in the league scoring many points.

@@thenativechamp100 to be honest I loved their style of play and commitement to defence last season and expect them to continue on that path.

and I still like minnesota despite their streakyness, will see if their depth holds up wit everybody adding new players.(Heise took a step in the finals, if she plays that way all next season watch out!).

Watts did sign with a Toronto. Lexie signed with Boston?

No worries for Ottawa they made good use of the draft prospects.

@@leecox6241 Could see Ottawa signing Fratkin for some reason. Get nastier on D to make up for losing some offense.

Montreal also has Ljungblom coming.

Add to that the new draftees! More foreign names to learn how to not misspell!😂

@@leecox6241 Hymlarová Hymlárová

they will finish last, all other teams improved, and have a solid structure system in play

@@markd8469 I might take that comment back now that I know Ottawa has lost some really good players...Minnesota will finish 2nd to last or win it all. Klee says he has a plan and his "Girl Friday" or Bat Girl to his Batman (Coyne) will help him make the roster for 2024-25 season. Gulp!