On Thursday, the women’s hockey tournament gets underway at the 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. A total of 61 of 230 players have suited up for the PWHL this season. For many of these women, competing at the Winter Games is a first-time experience. Here’s a look at eight players to watch, each of whom are making their Olympic debut.
Sandra Abstreiter, Germany
Abstreiter may not be a household name; however, she was named Top Goaltender at the 2024 Women’s World Championship, posting a stellar .929 save percentage – including a shutout – in six games at the tournament in Utica, NY. She has participated in four World Championships to date, and has started two games for the Montreal Victoire this season, going 1-1-0 with a 3.09 GAA and .899 save percentage.
Sanni Ahola, Finland
The 25-year-old native of Helsinki starred at St. Cloud University in the NCAA and became the first Finnish goalie to sign in the PWHL. Her duties for the Ottawa Charge this year have been limited to two appearances as a backup to Gwyneth Philips. Ahola has posted a 1-1-0 record in her starts, with a 1.93 GAA and .927 save percentage. Backstopping her country to back-to-back bronze medals at the World Championship in 2024 and 2025, Ahola is expected to earn the nod in the crease at the Olympics.
Kristin Della Rovere. Italy
A reserve player for the Toronto Sceptres this season, Della Rovere – a dual citizen and native of Caledon East, Ont. is the only PWHL member of her country’s Olympic roster. She last played in the league in its 2024 inaugural season, collecting one goal in nine games for Ottawa. Last season, the 25-year-old played in Italy with the EV Bozern Eagles of the European Women’s Hockey League, helping guide her team to an Italian championship.
Laila Edwards, United States
The 6-foot-1 forward has been lighting the lamp at the University of Wisconsin, recording an outstanding 36 points in just 21 games so far this season. Her strong play in the Rivalry Series versus Canada may be a harbinger of this year’s Olympic Games, which would prove quite problematic, if not disastrous, for the Canadians. Edwards is making history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s hockey team, and will undoubtedly be among the cream of the crop of this year’s PWHL draft class.
Kristyna Kaltounkova, Czechia
The 2025-26 campaign has been a breakout season for the New York Sirens star forward, who leads not just all rookies, but the entire PWHL with eleven goals at the international break. “She can handle physicality well,” Sirens coach Greg Fargo said of Kaltounkova, the first-overall pick in the 2025 Draft. “She’s someone who shoots off the pass exceptionally well, and I think that’s something that translates really well to this level for her.”
Jenna Raunio, Sweden
At just 19 years of age, the 5-foot-9 defender now has the honour of playing for Tre Kronor on the world’s biggest stage. Already with a U18 silver medal (2023) on her resume, the freshman at Ohio State University lists playing in the PWHL as one of her ambitions in her biography.
Vanessa Schaefer, Switzerland
The 20-year-old Vancouver-born forward – whose father is Swiss – already has a pair of World Championship appearances under her belt, in 2024 and 2025. She is in her second year at the University of British Columbia recording 14 points in 21 games.
Daryl Watts, Canada
After years of being overlooked by her country’s national team, the 26-year-old Toronto native – who stars for her home team in the PWHL – is finally heading to her first Olympics. A member of Canada’s silver-earning entry at the 2025 World Championships, Watts leads the Sceptres with 11 points at the international break, tied for eleventh in league scoring. “She’s such a dynamic player with a high level of hockey sense,” said Troy Ryan, coach of both the Sceptres and Team Canada. “It’s exciting this is her first Games and we kind of get to showcase her in front of the world.”
