5 Professional Women’s Hockey Players You Should Know

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) represents a new beginning in the world of women’s sports, offering a new platform for elite athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage. Launched in 2024 with six teams, the league aims to elevate women’s hockey to unprecedented heights, with top-tier talent from around the world competing in a highly competitive environment. 

The PWHL not only promises thrilling on-ice action but also a commitment to increasing visibility and support for women’s sports. As the league grows, it’s set on a path to redefine the future of women’s hockey, offering athletes opportunities and recognition they’ve long deserved. With the first season continuing well on its way, learn all about the top professionals to watch in women’s hockey.  

Cayla Barnes has represented the US with her skills at several international tournaments, including the olympics and world championships. Most recently, she was selected fifth overall by Montreal in the 2024 PWHL and officially signed a three-year contract on June 21. Among the many hockey players, Barnes stands out for her ability to read plays quickly and react smoothly on the ice under pressure.

“The number one thing is her calming presence, for me,” John Wroblewski, coach for US women’s national hockey team told the LA Times. “She’s got a knack for the game. Great vision and just very dependable.”  

Her successful venture in hockey was recognized by the public early at the collegiate level while she studied at Boston College. She earned American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) second team All-American honors while in school and was named the Hockey East Army ROTC Defender in January 2023.  

Like Barnes, Hannah Bilka’s hockey career also took off during her time at Boston College. As early as her freshman year she led the team with 37 points, and earned titles such as Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year and Hockey East Rookie of the Year.

She did, however, transfer to Ohio State University during her final year of NCAA eligibility. Barnes has also been a part of the U.S. Women’s National Team and helped the team win gold in 2023 and silver in 2022 and 2024 during the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships. 

In the 2024 PWHL, she was selected fourth overall in the draft and signed a three-year contract, marking the latest move in her professional career. 

Dominique Petrie began her hockey career early by taking part in the US Women’s National Under-18 team, where she played in three IIHF World Women’s U18 Championships and won gold in 2017 and 2018, and silver in 2019. 

She then started playing for Harvard in 2018 and led the team during her sophomore year by scoring an average 1.25 points per game. In 2022, she transferred to Clarkson University to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and continued to play hockey there while attending classes. Petrie was selected 27th overall in the PWHL by Minnesota Frost, where she quickly became acclimated and scored in each of her first three games for the team. 

Sarah Fillier is a Canadian hockey player known for playing the position of forward and her collegiate, international, and professional achievements. At Princeton, she earned multiple All-American honors and ECAC accolades, finishing as a prominent figure in the program. 

Internationally, she played a key role in Canada’s gold medal wins at the 2021 IIHF World Championship and 2022 Winter Olympics. Selected first overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft by the New York Sirens, Fillier quickly became a standout, leading the league in points and driving her team’s success. Her seamless transition to professional play solidifies her as a transformative figure in women’s hockey.

Another Boston College alum, Alex Carpenter set records for points, goals, and assists, earning the 2015 Patty Kazmaier Award as the NCAA’s top player. 

Internationally, she has won multiple IIHF World Championship golds and two Olympic silver medals with Team USA. Professionally, Carpenter made history as the first overall pick in the 2015 NWHL Draft and later led the KRS Vanke Rays to ZhHL success. Now a star with the PWHL’s New York franchise, she continues to be a transformative force in women’s hockey worldwide.