The opening weekend of the 2025–26 PWHL season has come and gone, marking our first opportunity to see the rookies in action in this league. Every year, there’s always the question of whether any given rookie can make the transition to the professional league. It’s still too early to tell, but here are three rookies who stood out in their respective opening games.

Haley Winn (D, Boston Fleet)

Second overall draft pick Haley Winn, from Rochester, New York, was a clear standout not only among all rookies this weekend but among Boston Fleet players in Sunday’s game against the Montréal Victoire. Known for her offence during her tenure at Clarkson University, she led the Fleet in shots, with six, and played more minutes than even her defence partner, Megan Keller. She played alongside Keller on the power play and was noticeable with her shot, skating, and puck-moving.

While she didn’t register a point in the game, she was a major component of her team’s power play, which ultimately led to a goal from Keller. If her debut game is any indication, she’ll fit well in this league.

Maddi Wheeler (F, New York Sirens)

In Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Charge, Maddi Wheeler, from Erinsville, Ontario, lined up on the third line alongside Elle Hartje and Taylor Girard. This trio came alive in the third period, and Wheeler was key to opening up the offence. Nearly halfway through the third, she blocked a point shot, causing the puck to spring into the neutral zone. Wheeler beat both Charge defenders to the puck and attempted to deke around Ottawa goaltender Gwyneth Philips. While Philips made the initial save, she couldn’t stop the multiple rebound attempts from Wheeler’s linemate Taylor Girard. This first goal wouldn’t have happened without Wheeler’s initial defensive play and subsequent speed.

For Girard’s second goal, Wheeler made a sneaky no-look pass behind her back to Girard, changing the direction of attack from behind the net too quickly for Philips to slide across. Wheeler was also critical in the heavy forecheck that led to Girard’s third goal.

In addition to her offensive duties, Wheeler was part of New York’s penalty kill, which meant she was on the ice for her team’s fourth goal, an empty-netter from Maja Nylén Persson. Wheeler ended this game with the best plus–minus in the league so far, with a +4.

Kiara Zanon (F, Toronto Sceptres)

Kiara Zanon, from Fairport, New York, scored the game-winning goal in the PWHL’s first game of the 2025–26 season, against the Minnesota Frost. She was noticeably fast as a winger on the third line, reminding me a bit of her teammate Emma Maltais with her smaller frame and speed. She registered Toronto’s first shot of the game, and her next shot was a top-shelf snipe on Maddie Rooney that put Toronto in the lead.

Zanon also scored a goal in one preseason game against the Frost and will hopefully contribute to some depth scoring for the Sceptres.

Who to keep your eye on for upcoming games

Fanuza Kadirova, the Ottawa Charge forward from Kukmor, Russia, seemed to be all over the ice on Saturday. She landed two shots and two hits and saw some time on the power play. I’m curious to see what energy she can bring to this team going forward.

The lone player from Prince Edward Island in the league, Abby Hustler played on the top line for the Minnesota Frost alongside Taylor Heise and Grace Zumwinkle. She registered four hits and three shots on Friday and played on the power play. She’ll certainly see more offensive opportunities if she continues to play with those same linemates.

Kristýna Kaltounková is always one to watch. The forward from Vlašim, Czechia, landed five shots in her debut game and was a noticeable physical presence. She’ll continue to be a shooting threat in games to come.

Kaltounková and the Sirens face off against the Montréal Victoire on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 PM EST.