The PWHL has provided new opportunities for players from across the globe in the last two seasons. Just as often, however, players have gone from college or international stars, to struggling in the PWHL. For some it's a lack of opportunity, or a poor fit with the team and coach. Others have just not found their groove playing each night against the strongest, fastest, and most skilled players in the world.
The three week international break for the IIHF World Championships however, could provide an opportunity for some players struggling in the PWHL to hit the reset button with their national teams.
There are players who have seen their season impacted by injuries including Grace Zumwinkle, Katerina Mrazova, Dominika Laskova, and others who will look to use the Worlds to regain their confidence and return to their previous form, but for others it's bigger.
Here's a look at five players who could benefit from a strong World Championship.
1. Daniela Pejsova, Boston Fleet / Czechia
Seeing Daniela Pejsova, the defender Boston traded up for at the 2024 PWHL Draft, and who many believed (including Boston) would be one of the best blueliners in the league by now, buried on their roster has been confusing. Boston did the same with Sophie Jaques last year, crushing her confidence and ultimately sending her to Minnesota where she's flourished. Pejsova recently took reps as a left wing. It's asset mismanagement from the Fleet's coaching staff. She won Best Defender at the 2022 World Championships, and was stellar again last year. Back alongside Aneta Tejralova, Pejsova can find the mentorship she's needed all year, and hopefully it will follow her to Boston.
2. Noora Tulus, New York Sirens / Finland
New York spent the season deploying one of their most talented forward like one of their least, and Tulus' stats reflected that. While New York was able to clean up most of their locker room issues from last year, they weren't able to get all the way there and it has left many players in their organization feeling like outcasts. Tulus will get plenty of chances to play an offensive role with Finland. The New York Sirens have been hot, but they'll need to find new ways to remain dominant if they want any chance to stay in the playoff race. A confident Noora Tulus would go a long way.
3. Danielle Serdachny, Ottawa Charge / Canada
The second overall pick in the PWHL entered on a high. She'd scored the gold medal winning goal in overtime for Canada last year against USA. In the PWHL, that type of confidence has yet to be instilled in Serdachny. Her skills are there, it's finding a place where she clicks that has yet to hit. Any kind of team or individual success at Worlds could help Serdachny take her next step professionally. Sometimes just getting the chance to listen to a new coach and play with new players again can be the spark needed.
4. Kristin O'Neill, Montreal Victoire / Canada
Last year O'Neill had a strong World Championship and it translated into reinvigorated play with the Montreal Victoire. You would not expect a forward from Team Canada to sit tied for 68th in the PWHL with only five points in 27 games, but that's exactly where O'Neill is. Recently she found herself on Montreal's fourth line. It was a surprise to see O'Neill named to Canada, and she may not play much. If she can replicate her past success however, the Worlds could be a big boost for her personally, and for Montreal heading to playoffs.
5. Hayley Scamurra, Toronto Sceptres / USA
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