A Look at What Troy Ryan is Building in San Jose

This off-season has been a busy one with four new expansion teams entering the league, including further expansion on the West Coast to San Jose. San Jose is the first PWHL team to have a GM/Head Coach, with Troy Ryan taking on both roles for the inaugural season. So here’s a look at what Troy Ryan has built so far: 

Forwards 

San Jose’s first forward signed was Anne Cherkowski from the New York Sirens, who was playing major minutes for the Sirens this season. In her rookie season she continued to do all the little things right on both ends of the ice, well her efforts weren’t heavily reflected on the score sheet, she continued to make an impact. If she continues to play the way she has been, the scoresheet is sure to follow. 

Joining her from the New York Sirens is Kristen O’Neill. After being traded from Montreal O’Neill took off this season with 4 goals, 1 assist, 28 blocks and a 54.8 faceoff win percentage. Beyond the PWHL the veteran got to make her Olympic debut with Team Canada where she put up 5 points, including the opening goal in the Gold Medal Game. Despite the limited minutes, O’Neill made the most of her ice-time, making a big impact from Canada’s fourth line. 

Also from the New York Sirens is Maddi Wheeler, who also put up an incredible rookie season. This past season Wheeler played in all but one game for the Sirens, recording 3 goals, 7 assists and 18 blocks. The Sirens also tested Wheeler at the center spot taking 23 faceoffs, with a 39.1 win percentage. With three of New York’s forwards coming to San Jose, they have a level of familiarity that will allow them to jump right in. 

Joining from the Toronto Sceptres is Maggie Connors. The jump makes for Connors who has played within Troy’s system for years. This past season Connors recorded 3 goals and 2 assists on a struggling Sceptres offence that averaged 1.7 goals per game with the next lowest in the league being 2.1. With a familiar system and new team Connors looks to break out this season. 

Joining from the Montreal Victoire is Natálie Mlýnková, who became the first woman to score 3 goals in a single Olympic Tournament for Czechia. In a strong rookie season Mlýnková was able to close out year one with the Walter Cup as the Montreal Victoire became the first Canadian Team to hoist the Walter Cup. 

Also joining from the Sceptres is Kristen Della Rovere. This past season in Toronto Della Rovere was on the reserve, heavily under-utilized only appearing in 5 games all of which came after a strong Olympic performance with Italy. In Italy’s historic Olympic run Della Rovere scored two goals including the game winner against Japan that sent the hosts to the Quarterfinals, after finding their first Olympic win earlier in the tournament. 

San Jose’s latest signing is bringing home California native, Brooke Bryant who joins from the Seattle Torrent. Prior to joining Seattle Bryant became a back-to-back champion with the Minnesota Frost. Bryant has been part of different hockey camps in California, growing the next generation of women’s hockey players after becoming the first Californian player in the PWHL, showing local players their dreams are possible. 

Defenders

As part of their initial signings, San Jose brought in Rory Guilday from the Ottawa Charge, who had an incredible rookie season. Last season the defender recorded 11 points through the regular season and playoffs, with 40 blocks. Her presence extends to the USA National Team where she most recently won Olympic Gold at Milano-Cortina Games. 

Joining the back end is Hadley Hartmentz from the Boston Fleet, who was drafted 40th overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft, after wrapping up her collegiate career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Through her time with the Buckeyes Hartmentz won two National Titles. Hartmentz originally joined the Fleet on the reserve, appearing in only two games her first season. However, this season she was able to take on a bigger role, appearing in 27 games for the Fleet, recording 7 assists with a +7. 

Joining her from the Fleet is Daniela Pejšová who joined the PWHL in the 2024-25 season from the SDHL where she won a pair of championships with Luleå. This Pejšová made her second Olympic appearance with Czechia alongside Natálie Mlýnková. This season the defender recorded 2 goals and 2 assists. 

Rounding out San Jose’s defensive group is Mariah Keopple who is known for her incredible game day fits she makes herself. Joining from the Seattle Torrent where she posted 3 points and 40 blocks this season. 

Goalie

In net San Jose has brought in Corinne Schroeder, who spent the past season with the Seattle Torrent splitting the net with Hannah Murphy. While Schroeder posted her worst season in the league with a save percentage of 0.915, well the Torrent continued to struggle, she has felt the pressure of playing for an expansion team that’s building. Prior to joining Seattle Schroeder played for New York where she put up a save percentage of 0.919 (2024-25) and 0.930 (2024). Her experience within the league and with the style of play and knowledge of former teammates play makes her an incredible asset on San Jose’s back end. 

Also in net is Abby Levi who joins from the Boston Fleet, where she served as the backup to Goaltender of the Year Aerin Frankel. Prior to joining the Fleet, Levi played with New York, with the signing San Jose reunites the Schroeder, Levi goalie tandem that started it off for New York. This past season Levi started 3 games for the Fleet, posting a 0.927 save percentage. 

Draft: 

Laila Edwards (D) University of Wisconsin

Sloane Matthews (F) Ohio State University

Tia Chan (G) University of Connecticut

Lily Shannon (F) Northeastern University

Mckenna Van Gelder (F) Cornell University

Reichen Kirchmair (F) Providence College