Another big week for manitoban goaltenders
Brandon, Manitoba's Kristen Campbell has been named the PWHL’s inaugural Goaltender of the Year.
"It's an honour to win this award," Campbell told the Grand Forks Herald. "There are so many great goaltenders in this league and I think that was showing throughout the year in all the low-scoring games. I'm just really grateful and thankful for all my teammates in Toronto who also made this possible."
Campbell was the only goaltender to record more than 10 wins this season, tallying 16 wins with PWHL Toronto—seven more wins than Emerance Maschmeyer of PWHL Ottawa, who finished second in wins with nine.
Campbell’s 1.99 goals against average also led all PWHL goaltenders who recorded more than 10 starts this season.
Her .927 save percentage finished third among PWHL goaltenders—a category led by fellow Manitoban netminder Corinne Schroeder.
Campbell’s historic season comes as no surprise to people who have been following her career.
Impressive campaigns with Manitoba’s Westman Wildcats AAA program, and Shaftesbury Titans women’s high school club earned her national recognition, where Campbell suited up with the Canadian Women’s U18 team—earning a silver medal.
At the collegiate level, Campbell transferred from North Dakota’s Fighting Hawks to Wisconsin, joining the Badgers in 2017. Campbell went 90-13-7 over three seasons with the Badgers, where she averaged an incredible 1.03 goals against in 41 starts in 2018-19 en route to a national championship.
With few avenues to continue her illustrious career after college, Campbell dressed in only 14 games from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
The founding of the PWHL changed the narrative for Campbell - and women across the world - providing an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love on a professional basis.
Campbell is expected to return to Toronto next season for her second year of a three-year contract—where she will try and defend her title of the PWHL’s best goaltender.
Corinne Schroeder inks two-year extension with PWHL New York
Another Manitoban netminder, Corinne Schroeder, has agreed to a two-year extension with PWHL New York.
“Corinne has definitely proven that she belongs among the world’s elite at her position,” said PWHL New York general manager Pascal Daoust. “Beyond her physical presence and athleticism, her relentless determination to improve every day on and off the ice and become the best version of herself makes her a key player in our pursuit of excellence and championship.”
Schroeder’s .930 save percentage led all PWHL goaltenders in the league’s inaugural season, where she averaged 31.67 saves per game.
The extension makes Schroeder the first New York player to re-sign with the club this offseason.
“I’m incredibly excited to be back in New York” said Schroeder. “The fans are so supportive and encouraging, to play in front of them again will be an honour."
The Elm Creek native posted notable stats in minor hockey with the Pembina Valley Hawks and the Balmoral Hall Blazers prep program.
After four seasons and 91 starts with Boston University of the NCAA, Schroeder transferred to Quinnipiac for the 2021-22 season, where she finished third in the nation with a save percentage of .951.
Schroeder joined the Boston Pride of the Premier Hockey Federation in 2022-23, earning PHF Goaltender of the Year and Rookie of the Year honours after posting a .955 save percentage, going 19-1-0 during the regular season.
After her debut season with PWHL New York, the 24-year-old backstop is excited to get back in net and help guide the team to its first playoff appearance.
“This past season I experienced a lot of growth as a person and a player, so I’m excited for further growth personally and as a team. I’m looking forward to playing a greater role in continuing to build our organization and community.”
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