PWHL Olympic Standouts

The Olympics have wrapped and the women are home, leaving eyes on the return of the PWHL. Here’s the biggest PWHL standouts from the Olympic tournament: 

Starting things off is Captain America, Hilary Knight, who led the Americans to overtime in the Gold Medal Game. Beyond the tying goal in the Gold Medal Game this was Knight's fifth Olympic Games, and second Gold Medal. On that tying goal Knight made history taking over the women’s all-time American scoring record. 

Joining her is Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel, who shut down the USA’s back end in historic fashion. In her Olympic debut Frankel recorded three shut outs, making history as the first goaltender to reach that feat in a single tournament. Adding to her historic run was the all-time shutout record at 352:17 minutes, alongside Gwyneth Philips and Ava McNaughton. In the tournament Frankel faced 99 shots, allowing only two goals. 

Joining them is Fleet defender and Captain Megan Keller who scored the golden goal for the USA in overtime. She also tied the tournament lead in points with 3 goals and 6 assists. Keller’s impact was felt all over the world as the Americans brought home the gold medal, continuing their National Team win streak. 

For the Canadians it was Captain Clutch, Marie-Philip Poulin, who played through a knee injury to push Canada to the Gold Medal Game. This was her fifth Olympic appearance, and fifth Olympic medal. In her historic run Poulin took over the women’s all-time Canadian scoring record from icon Hayley Wickenheiser. Despite the injury Poulin still put up 3 goals, including both in the Semi-Finals to push Canada to the Gold Medal Game. 

Joining her from the Canadian team is Goldeneyes defender Claire Thompson. In her second Olympic appearance Thompson became the all-time Olympic scoring defender, with 17 points. In this year's tournament Thompson had 1 goal and 3 assists. She is currently in her second year of the PWHL and already an Assistant Captain. 

Joining them from the Canadian team is Sirens forward Kristen O’Neill. In her Olympic debut O’Neill put up 4 points, including the opening goal in the Gold Medal Game. Despite the limited minutes O’Neill made the most of her ice-time, leaving a big impact from Canada’s fourth line. 

For Switzerland it was Alina Müeller leading the way, scoring half of their goals, including the Bronze Medal Game winner in overtime. This was her fourth Olympic appearance and second bronze medal, the team's first medal in 12 years. In this year's tournament Müeller set the Swiss record for all-time goals with 16 and assists with 13.  

For Germany it was Fleet forward Laura Kluge who led the way. In her Olympic debut she set the German record for more points in an Olympic tournament with 3 goals and 4 assists. 

Joining her from the German team is Goldeneyes defender Nina Jobst-Smith. In her Olympic debut she put up 2 goals and an assist.  After a delayed start to her rookie season, due to a prior injury, Jobst-Smith has only played six PWHL games. Coming back from the Olympic break she will look to bring this spark back to the Goldeneyes as they look to make a push for a playoff spot. 

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