College Hockey Alumnae Fuel PWHL Opening Night Rosters

92 Percent of League’s Players Played NCAA Hockey

The eight franchises of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) unveiled their 2025-26 opening night rosters ahead of the league’s third season.

Each team can roster 23 players, with up to three more signed to reserve player contracts, and may also carry players on long-term injured reserve. Beginning this season, teams are required to have three goaltenders under contract. Of the 208 players on rosters for opening weekend, 191 are former college hockey standouts, including reserve players. Notably, the Minnesota Frost and Vancouver Goldeneyes rosters are made up entirely of NCAA alumnae.

The 191 NCAA alumnae in the PWHL represent 34 schools and nine countries. Fifteen NCAA programs have at least five former players on league rosters, led by Ohio State with 22, Wisconsin with 18, and Clarkson with 15. Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, Northeastern, and Quinnipiac each have 14.

The PWHL drops the puck on its third season tonight, Friday, Nov. 21, with an opening-night doubleheader featuring the reigning two-time Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost hosting the Toronto Sceptres, and the first-ever matchup between expansion teams, the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes. The regular season includes a 120-game schedule, with each team set to play 30 games. To see the full 2025-26 schedule, visit here.

Visit ThePWHL.com for complete league rosters and additional information.

*Alumnae numbers include transfers

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History repeated itself in the PWHL’s sophomore season as the Minnesota Frost secured its second straight Walter Cup Championship. Like the previous year, Minnesota’s roster was composed entirely of NCAA alumnae as they proudly raised the Walter Cup once again.

Throughout the regular season, standout performances showcased the league’s depth of talent among both rookies and veterans. Sarah Fillier of the New York Sirens led the league with 29 points, including 13 goals and 16 assists, earning her First-Team All-Star and All-Rookie honors. Her veteran co-point leader, Hilary Knight of the Boston Fleet, delivered a strong second half that earned her finalist spots for both the 2025 PWHL Forward of the Year and the Billie Jean King MVP awards.