Top 15 performers of the 2026 women’s Olympic hockey tournament
The women’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics will go down as one of the biggest events in the game’s history. With the continued rise of the PWHL, there was more attention on the best players in the world than ever before.
With that, stars from around the globe brought their best to Milan, giving fans an exhilarating two weeks of action. From big-time scorers to stellar goaltending, there were a number of players who stood out while wearing their nation’s colors.
Today, I take a look at the top-10 performers at the Winter Games.
Honorable Mention
Alice Philbert, G (France)
I’m going to give Philbert a well-deserved shoutout. Though she lost all four games she played in, the Quebec native faced more shots (179) than any goaltender in the tournament. She also made more saves than any netminder in Milan, turning away 167 shots and posting a .933 save percentage that ranked fourth among qualified goaltenders.
15. Aerin Frankel, G (United States)
I know there were a couple of games where Frankel didn’t have a lot of work to do, but when the spotlight was at its brightest, the Green Monster stood tall. Along with blanking Canada in the preliminary round, Frankel became the first woman to post three shutouts in a single Olympics, contributing to a record-breaking shutout streak of 352:17. She gave up just two goals on 99 shots, posting a tournament-leading 0.39 goals-against average and .980 SV%, also new records at the Winter Games.
14. Marie-Philip Poulin, F (Canada)
I understand that Poulin was named the tournament’s best forward, but I don’t think she was as good as voters believed. I agree, she was an important piece in inspiring Canada to reach the gold medal game, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in women’s hockey at the Olympics in the process. However, one has to wonder how much Ooulin would’ve played had she not been injured.
13. Hilda Svensson, F (Sweden)
One of the more impressive players coming out of Group B was Svensson. Along with being a dynamite player at Ohio State, the 19-year-old proved to be an exceptional playmaker in her Olympic debut. She finished tied for second in assists (6) in the tournament and tied for fifth with seven points. Her offensive ability helped the Swedes finish first in group B and qualify for the semifinals for the first time since 2014.
12. Laura Kluge, F (Germany)
Goals were tough to come by for Germany in the tournament, but Laura Kluge was a driving force behind the team’s offense. She scored three of her team’s 11 markers in Milan, including the game-winning goal against Italy that secured second place in Group B. She ended up finishing tied for the tournament lead, scoring in the preliminary round with seven points in four games.
11. Sarah Fillier, F (Canada)
While Fillier didn’t light up the scoreboard as she did in her Olympic debut four years ago, she was a crucial part of Canada’s offense, especially when Poulin was out of action. The reigning PWHL Rookie of the Year had a big two-point game against Germany in the quarterfinals and ended up finishing second on the team in scoring with six points in the seven games.
10. Ebba Svensson Träff, G (Sweden)
The story has been told aplenty about how Svensson Träff was the surprise starter for Sweden at these Olympics, instead of the veteran Emma Söderberg. However, the 21-year-old stepped up in a big way for Damkronoma, allowing just eight goals in six games and posting shutouts against Japan and Czechia to get the Swedes to the semifinals. Svensson Träff’s 1.39 GAA ranked second in the tournament, while her .940 SV% ranked third.
9. Abbey Murphy, F (United States)
The firecracker that brings a unique spark to the American lineup, Murphy proved she was born for the game’s biggest stage. Her ability to be a game-changer, even when she doesn’t score, is an intangible that’s going to carry the U.S. for years to come. Along with that ridiculous play to set up Hannah Bilka in the blowout win over Canada during the group stage, the University of Minnesota star posted two goals and five assists, finishing tied for fifth in the tournament with seven points.
8. Thea Johansson, F (Sweden)
Another player who notched seven points in Milan was Thea Johansson. One of the many first-time Olympians on the Swedish roster, the 23-year-old provided a strong finishing touch to the team that helped carry them to first place in Group B. She scored four goals in the opening round of the tournament, tying her for the most in the tournament. The Minnesota Duluth star is growing into quite the offensive force on the college scene, and she proved she can rise to the occasion while representing her country.
7. Andrea Brändli, G (Switzerland)
There was quite a bit of concern when it was revealed that Brändli was revealed to be the Swiss player who had Norovirus heading into the tournament. However, when the 28-year-old stepped into action, she was stellar. Her 40-save shutout propelled Switzerland past Finland and into the semifinals. Then, in the bronze medal game, Brändli came up clutch again, making 32 saves and helping Eisgenossinnen beat Sweden to claim the country’s second medal in the sport.
6. Laila Edwards, D (United States)
Just a dynamite player that has been to watch over the past few years. From establishing herself as a talented power forward to becoming an exceptional defender, Laila Edwards is on the path to becoming a superstar. Along with being named to the Media All-Star Team, the Cleveland Heights, Ohio native finished tied for third with eight points in the tournament, picking up the assist on Hilary Knight’s goal in the gold medal game against Canada that sent the game to overtime.
5. Megan Keller, D (United States)
The person who scored the goal to give the Americans their third gold medal in women’s hockey was part of the veteran core. While she didn’t receive the same level of notoriety as some other members of her team, Keller was exceptional once again in the red, white and blue. She finished tied for the tournament lead in scoring with nine points in seven games, playing a hand in both of Team USA’s goals in the gold medal game. The Farmington, Mich. native finished tied for second in plus/minus with a +9 rating.
4. Alina Müller, F (Switzerland)
The only thing Müller proved in this tournament is that she can drag a team on her back. Compared to other teams in Group A, the Swiss had the weakest roster, but that didn’t stop the 27-year-old from doing everything she could to give her team a chance to win. Her goal in overtime against Sweden gave Switzerland the bronze medal for the first time since 2014, when she helped the Swiss win it at 15. Müller finished tied for the most goals in the tournament (4), earning a spot on the Media All-Star Team.
3. Daryl Watts, F (Canada)
An Olympic debut four years in the making, Watts made the most of her first opportunity at the Winter Games. Getting the chance to play with Poulin and Fillier, the Toronto Sceptres forward showcased her playmaking ability, which has made her one of the best players in the PWHL. Watts left Milan tied for second in assists (6) and third in points (8), leading Canada in scoring.
2. Hannah Bilka, F (United States)
My pick for forward of the tournament, Bilka was a thrill to watch in Milan. Along with ending up tied with Johansson and Müller in goals with four, the Seattle Torrent forward was a dynamic player for a U.S. team that was filled with so many marquee players. Yet, the Texan proved that the youngsters are ready to grab the torch, as she played her best in some of the biggest moments of the event.
1. Caroline Harvey, D (United States)
I don’t know if there are any words to describe Harvey that I haven’t already used over the past couple of weeks. After failing to register a point four years ago in Beijing, the University of Wisconsin star established herself as not just one of the best defenders in women’s hockey today, but arguably one of the best players, period. She finished tied with Keller for the most points in the tournament, earning Most Valuable Player and Best Defender honors. There’s no question that Harvey is on her way to becoming a household name.