Why Swiderski is the Right Fit for the Job

After losing Kendall Cooper in expansion to Las Vegas the Frost had some big shoes to fill on the backend. So when defender Sara Swiderski was still available at number 9, it was a no-brainer for Minnesota to make the pick. Swiderski who began her collegiate career with the Clarkson Knights transferred in her junior year, where she took off alongside D-partner Emma Peschel becoming major standouts on the backend with the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

The BC native first came into the spotlight when she represented Canada in the 2022 IIHF U-18 Women’s World Championship win, before being named to the all-tournament team being recognized as the tournament’s top defender. 

Joining the Clarkson Golden Knights her freshman year allowed her to continue developing her defensive instincts. In her two seasons with Clarkson the defender tallied 4 goals, 15 assists, and 63 blocked shots with a +34,  helping the Golden Knights advance to two NCAA tournaments, making the Frozen Four in 2024 alongside many notable PWHL players; Haley Winn, Nicole Gosling, Anne Cherkowski, Brooke McQuigge, Darcie Lappan, and Dominique Petrie. 

But playing with top talent doesn’t always allow for growth, the transfer for her junior year to Ohio State definitely helped her be noticed, playing more minutes as part of the Buckeyes top D-pair. In 70 games with the Buckeyes, Swiderski tallied 9 goals, 30 assists, and 67 blocks. 

Swiderski now heads to Minnesota, a team known for their lineup depth. Throughout her college career Swiderski served as more of a stay-at-home defender, but if there’s one thing the Frost know how to do, it’s spark offence from their entire lineup, with every player making the scoresheet last season at one point or another, so expect to see Swiderski’s role continue to grow as she gains her footing in the PWHL. 

With her experience playing with and against strong PWHL forces, Swiderski is set for the challenge the PWHL brings. And you best bet, that game in Vancouver is gonna be a big one as she returns home to play in front of her friends and family.