When Emmy Fecteau and Rylind MacKinnon were not among cuts made following PWHL training camps, it marked a crucial moment for U Sports hockey. For the first time, players graduating directly from Canadian university programs were making the jump straight to the PWHL.

MacKinnon had been trying out as a free agent invite with the Toronto Sceptres, while Fecteau signed with the New York Sirens at the end of camp after becoming the second ever U Sports player, following Audrey-Anne Veillette in 2023, to be selected in the PWHL Draft. They'll also be joined by Kelly-Ann Nadeau who signed as a reserve with the Montreal Victoire.

Carley Olivier, a University of Waterloo alumni, signed as a reserve with PWHL New York last season and saw one game, making her the first straight to the PWHL player from Canadian university, but Fecteau and MacKinnon will be the first on full-time contracts.

Several U Sports alumni played in the PWHL during the inaugural season including Melodie Daoust, Sarah Bujold, Jade Downie-Landry, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Alexandra Labelle, Lindsey Post, Brigitte Laganiere, Alex Poznikoff, Catherine Dubois, and Kaitlin Willoughby.

Other USports alumni currently playing in Europe could also find their way back to the PWHL. Players like Emma Bergesen, Elizabeth Lang, Maggy Burbidge, Joelle Fiala, Cassidy Maplethorpe, Hannah Tait, Lillian George, Marie-Camille Theoret, Courtney Kollman, Rosalie Begin-Cyr and Camryn Drever are all having strong rookie campaigns overseas that may be parlayed into opportunities in the PWHL next season, particularly if expansion comes. The same could be said for U Sports alumni like Estelle Duvin, Jaycee Magwood, and Lea MacLeod.

The Future Looks Bright In U Sports

Powerhouse programs like Concordia, Nipissing, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Waterloo, Alberta, and others, have started to more successfully recruit top players who would otherwise choose the NCAA, and also to bring back players with NCAA experience. Among those programs, are players who will eventually challenge for PWHL roster spots and draft rankings.

This year's PWHL Draft class could include players like Mackenzie Kordic, Leah Herrfort, Jessymaude Drapeau, Maude Pepin, Chanreet Bassi, Madison Laberge, Erica Plourde, Maggie Mckee, Malory Dominico and Emilie Lavoie.

Beyond this group however, there are a talented group of up and comers who are already gaining attention. That list includes Émilie Lussier (Concordia), Gabrielle Santerre (Bishop's), Mackenzie Keenan (New Brunswick), Abby Lunney (Nipissing), , Katelyn Scott (New Brunswick), Kara den Hoed (Nipissing), Jaylyn Morris (British Columbia), Arianne Leblanc (Concordia), Jill Hennessy (Nipissing), Clara Juca (Saskatchewan) and others.

Universaide Will Be Important

The 2025 Universaide will be an important event for identifying Canada's top U Sports athletes. The event has always held significance, but wasn't always populated by the best players from coast-to-coast. Canada's 2023 team was captained by Emmy Fecteau, and included Audrey-Anne Veillette, Kelly-Ann Nadeau and currently draft eligible players such as Herrfort and Dominico, as well as several players currently playing professionally in Europe. The 2025 games will take place in Italy beginning January 13.