The 2022-23 Premier Hockey Federation player pool includes a record 68 Canadians of which 15 have been selected as All-Stars to represent their country in Sunday’s competition in Toronto.
Here’s a closer look at the PHF Team Canada All-Stars:
8 KELLY BABSTOCK (MET) F
This season became the sixth player in PHF history to eclipse the 100-game milestone.
“Kelly can take over games when executing her battle mentality. She is a scoring threat due to her hard, quick snapshot and she is one of the best checkers in this league. Kelly is able to protect the puck and make plays with patience. Always full of energy.” – Riveters head coach Venla Hovi.
8 ÉLIZABETH GIGUÈRE (BOS) F
2020 Patty Kazmaier Award winner made her senior national team debut during November’s Rivalry Series.
“One look at Elizabeth’s NCAA stats and you know you are dealing with a talented player. She is a player who is more than capable of scoring when her team needs it most, but she is a playmaker, too, and that is what makes her so dangerous. We have missed her quite a bit this season as she has competed with Team Canada, but when she is in the lineup, we are undoubtedly a better team.” – Pride president Colleen Coyne.
9 KATI TABIN (TOR) D
Tied for the PHF lead in scoring among defenders with 13 points in 14 games.
“Kati is a very offensive-minded defender. She is obviously very skilled as well, and is used heavily in all situations. She is my go-to defenseman, and is a player who logs a lot of ice time. Kati is another player who works hard and wants to get better everyday.” – T6 head coach Geraldine Heaney.
12 CATHERINE DAOUST (MON) D
Had the primary assist on Montreal’s first goal in franchise history scored by Ann-Sophie Bettez.
“Catherine Daoust is the definition of La Force de Montréal. She’s selfless, a hard worker, a true leader, and a great player. She makes tons of sacrifices day in day out for this team and I’m grateful of that.” – Force president Kevin Raphael.
13 KALEIGH FRATKIN (BOS) D
All-Star captain is a two-time Defender of the Year who is the all-time leading scorer at her position with 82 points in 129 games.
“Fratty has been a major part of our defensive core for six seasons now, and she has proven her All-Star capabilities time and time again. It is an honor for her to be selected as captain of Team Canada by her fellow teammates, and we know she will be a great leader as evidenced by her time on the Pride.” – Pride head coach Paul Mara.
16 SARAH BUJOLD (MET) F
Broke out early this season with two power play and two shorthanded goals in her first three career games.
“Sarah is always a threat due to her explosiveness, strength, and ability to take pucks to the net. She is a tremendous two-way player who wins most of her one-on-one battles. She has a great, quick shot and abnormally fast acceleration. Humble and hard working.” – Riveters head coach Venla Hovi.
22 KENNEDY MARCHMENT (CTW) F
Reigning MVP and top scorer currently ranks third in the PHF with 22 points, powered by an active nine-game point-streak.
“Kennedy is a very special player that not only has the ability to find the back of the net but also makes those around her better. She equally starts and support plays as much as she is able to finish them.” – Whale general manager Alexi Moed.
24 ANN-SOPHIE BETTEZ (MON) F – (unable to compete)
A former U SPORTS and CWHL MVP and champion, the 35-year-old is the franchise’s first captain and the league’s oldest player.
“Ann-Sophie Bettez is La Force de Montréal. This team is built on her passion, her dedication, her never give up attitude. Her effort on every shift is recognized and seen. Her effort in the community is even more impactful. She is without a doubt the most underrated and underappreciated player in the history of women’s hockey. Now, this year, with the Force, the world gets to celebrate her.” – Force president Kevin Raphael.
27 JADE DOWNIE-LANDRY (MON) F
The 2022 U SPORTS Player of the Year and Top-8 Academic All-Canadian leads her team in scoring, shots, and face-offs.
“If Ann-Sophie Bettez is the heart of this team, Jade Downie-Landry is the soul. She was our first signed player and hasn’t disappointed. She’s fierce, talented, feisty, and one heck of a good human being. If we all loved the game like she does, this game would be better.” – Force president Kevin Raphael.
30 CORINNE SCHROEDER (BOS) G
Set a PHF record with three consecutive shutouts to start her professional career, and now has six shutouts which doubles the previous single season record.
“As a rookie, Schroeder’s been breaking records and shows no signs of slowing down. With six shutouts in 15 games, there is no doubt she plays a major role in our success. We know we can always count on her as a solid backstop to our defense and help us keep winning.” – Pride general manager Maddie Rigsby.
36 LOREN GABEL (BOS) F
Leads the league with 24 points in 13 games and has already tied single game scoring records this season with separate six-point and four-goal performances.
“Loren has been one of the most dynamic players not only in our league but also in the world. Her play this year has been absolutely electrifying, which is evident by her success so far. Gabel leads the league in points, with her linemates Dempsey and Giguére following suit closely. Loren has been a big reason for our success so far, and we look forward to seeing her continue to dominate play.” – Pride head coach Paul Mara.
41 BRITTANY HOWARD (TOR) F
Leads the PHF with 15 goals in 14 games and is currently riding a nine-game point-streak.
“Brittany is obviously one of the most talented hockey players in the league and very exciting to watch. She is a go-to player and plays in all situations on the ice, so she’s one of the leaders on this hockey team. The biggest thing I appreciate is her work ethic and the want to get better everyday.” – T6 head coach Geraldine Heaney.
59 MIKYLA GRANT-MENTIS (BUF) F
Earned MVP honors with Toronto during the shortened 2021 season and currently ranks second in team scoring since signing in Buffalo.
“Buckey is so much more than just a point producer. She is highly relied upon for her defense as well as her offense. Buckey’s ability to read plays and get above the puck are what I believe make her such a good player.” – Beauts head coach Rhea Coad.
67 EMMA WOODS (TOR) F
An original member of T6, ranks second in team scoring and a near point-per-game average throughout her career.
“Emma is your big, strong power forward who has what is probably one of the hardest shots in the league. She is also a great leader on and off the ice, and obviously a great captain as well.” – T6 head coach Geraldine Heaney.
71 SAROYA TINKER (TOR) F
A two-time PHF Foundation Award winner for applying the core values of hockey to her community to help grow the game.
“Saroya is a big, strong stay-at-home defender who can be relied upon on the penalty kill, can also make the smart breakout pass and knows her limits. She’s a great leader for the sport, both on and off the ice, and continues to promote the sport with young Black female hockey players. I think she’s a great All-Star representative for the T6.” – T6 head coach Geraldine Heaney.
PHF Team Canada is coached by Hockey Hall of Famers Kim St-Pierre and Geraldine Heaney, along with All-Star goaltending coach Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle.
Photo by Lori Bolliger
