Yahoo Sports Top 10 Players From The U-18 Women's Worlds
The 2025 U-18 World Championships are in the books with Canada winning gold, USA taking silver, and Sweden earning bronze.
The tournament was filled with incredible performances from the net out. Here's a look at The Hockey News' top 10 players from the 2025 U-18 World Championships.
Stryker Zablocki, F, Canada - Zablocki led the tournament in scoring showcasing her trademark speed and dynamic offensive abilities. Yes, Nela Lopusanova was named MVP and Bella Fanale top forward, but Zablocki won gold, and she was the centerpiece of Canada's attack. When you look at points per 60 minutes, Zablocki is even better. Her pts/60 was 6.71. Fanale's was 4.85 pts/60 and Lopusanova's 5.49 pts/60. Zablocki's output was impressive, and her ability to drive play even more so.
Nela Lopusanova, F, Slovakia - She is the definition of an MVP. Without her, Slovakia would be on their way to Division 1A, and would have been shutout multiple games in this tournament, something that didn't happen a single time. Her 11 points moved her into 5th all-time in scoring at the U-18s, and she did it without the support others had. With one season left to go at the U-18 level, Lopusanova needs eight points next season to become the all-time leader at the tournament.
Chloe Primerano, D, Canada - What was perhaps most impressive about Primerano's tournament, was that you knew at any moment she could take over a shift and do it herself, but she always played a team game. Her skating, he puck control, it's all on another level, but this year you could see her physical and mental maturity coming together to complete the package.
Maxine Cimeroni, F, Canada - Few were more impactful in this tournament than Cimeroni. She uses her speed and power to drive pucks to the net, but she's also a highly impactful player off the puck. She uses her size and strength well to win puck battles, and she can make plays with little to no space.
Bella Fanale, F, USA - Fanale came up big for USA in the semi-finals scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Sweden. She was USA's best player in this tournament and as their captain, was at her best when her team needed it. This was her third and finale U-18 tournament, and Fanale leaves with a gold, silver, and bronze.
Linda Vocetkova, F, Czechia - It was good to see Vocetkova thriving against peers because she's had a slow year in the SDHL. At the U-18 level, Vocetkova's speed and puck presence were noticeable every time she touched the ice. Vocetkova is smart, protects the puck well, and sees the ice well. It's only a matter of time before she joins Czechia's senior national team. Next step? Vocetkova needs to get to the NCAA.
Edit Danielsson, F, Sweden - She's an excellent shooter, and you can see the benefits she's gained in her skating and physicality from playing in the SDHL. Danielsson can change her pace and angle of release effectively using her edges and . She was a threat throughout this tournament, and part of a deeper wave of talent rapidly bringing Sweden forward globally.
Megan Healy, D, USA - Healy played big minutes along USA's blueline. She was the backbone of their roster. Healy does the little things right which is why, although she's not always flashy, she's always productive. Healy uses her feet to defend and makes good passes in transition. She reads plays well and is an American defender to watch as she steps to the NCAA with Princeton next year.
Morgan Stickney, G, USA - The first American ever selected in the WHL Draft, this was perhaps the first chance many hockey fans have had to see Stickney on a bigger stage. She's square and competitive, and when it comes to rebound control, pucks stick to Stickney. Maja Helge and Daniela Nováková both had spectacular tournaments in net as well, but Stickney's numbers speak for themself.
Cailleigh Tiller, F, Canada - Tiller has been playing the same game since winning an Esso Cup with Stoney Creek in 2023. She's a two-way standout, who plays physical, gets to the difficult areas on the ice, and creates offense through her defensive play. But Tiller also notched a pair of game winning goals for Canada, including the gold medal winning goal.
Honourable Mention: Dana Březinova (Czechia), Sonja Inkamp (Switzerland), Ellen Jarabková (Czechia), Julie Jebouskova (Czechia), Julia Kuhta (Finland), Evelyn Doyle (USA), Daniela Nováková (Czechia), Maja Helge (Sweden), Ebba Westerlind (Sweden), Mary Derrenbacher (USA), Ema Tothova (Slovakia), Sara Manness (Canada), Sydney Sawyer (Canada)
