PWHL Announces Rosters for NHL All-Star Weekend Three-on-Three Showcase
The PWHL has announced the rosters for the upcoming three-on-three showcase during NHL All-Star Weekend. Each roster consists of 12 players, including 10 skaters and two goaltenders. The selection process was conducted by the PWHL, as stated in a press release. Out of the 24 players selected, 17 are free-agent signings, and seven are from the first 12 draft selections, including all six first-round picks. The event will ensure that each PWHL team is represented by at least three players.
Minnesota, currently the top-ranked team in the PWHL, will have the highest number of players participating in the event, with five players. On the other hand, New York will have the fewest players, with only three.
The game itself will be a 20-minute long affair.
Ella Shelton from New York leads the PWHL in scoring and will be a key player for “Team King.” She will be joined on the blueline by Megan Keller from Boston, Savannah Harmon from Ottawa, and Lee Stecklein from Minnesota. The offensive firepower for “Team King” will be provided by future Hockey Hall of Fame forwards Hilary Knight from Boston and Marie-Philip Poulin from Montreal. Alina Müller, a Swiss star from Boston, may not have scored yet in the PWHL but is expected to make an impact with her exceptional hands and playmaking ability in the three-on-three format.
“Team Kloss” will feature Americans Alex Carpenter and Taylor Heise, both of whom are tied for second in league scoring with three goals each, alongside Poulin. Heise’s two goals for Minnesota against Toronto last week are currently the leading contenders for Goal of the Year. Sarah Nurse, who participated in last year’s breakaway contest in Florida, will also be part of “Team Kloss.” In goal, Nicole Hensley from Minnesota leads the PWHL with an impressive .955 save percentage.
Several players participating in the showcase have previously taken part in NHL All-Star events. Notably, Kendall Coyne Schofield made history in 2019 as the first woman to compete in the NHL All-Star skills competition, participating in the fastest skater event. In 2020, the NHL hosted a women’s three-on-three event featuring American and Canadian players, which was won by the Canadians.
Cassie Campbell-Pascall, PWHL Special Advisor, will coach “Team King,” while Meghan Duggan, a 2018 Olympic gold medalist and New Jersey Devils director of player development, will coach “Team Kloss.” The teams have been named in honor of PWHL advisory board members Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss.
For more information on the upcoming three-on-three showcase during NHL All-Star Weekend, be sure to check out the required reading.
(Photo: Matt Krohn / USA Today)