As the 2025-26 PWHL season passes the one-third mark, several players have emerged as surprise performers, exceeding expectations and making significant contributions to their teams. While established stars continue to shine, these unexpected breakouts have added excitement and intrigue to the league.

Abby Roque (Montreal Victoire)

Abby Roque has been a standout addition to the Montreal Victoire, showcasing a remarkable blend of physicality, faceoff prowess, and scoring touch. Her ability to disrupt plays and her surprising offensive surge have solidified her role on the top line alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. Roque's faceoff expertise has also allowed Poulin to focus more on generating scoring opportunities. Currently, she is the team's second-leading scorer and is tied for fourth in the league in points.

Julia Gosling (Seattle Torrent)

Julia Gosling has quickly become a fan favorite in Seattle, exceeding expectations as a valuable asset for the expansion Torrent. Gosling has already matched her previous season's goal total and is nearly at her point total from last year. She is playing at a point-per-game pace while contributing defensively. Although she was expected to be a great player, Gosling is exceeding expectations in only her second year.

Haley Winn (Boston Fleet)

Rookie defender Haley Winn has been a revelation for the Boston Fleet, forming a dominant defensive pairing with Megan Keller. Winn's offensive abilities and seamless integration into the top pairing have been crucial to Boston's early success. She is a strong contender for PWHL Rookie of the Year.

Kendall Coyne Schofield (Minnesota Frost)

While not a new name to hockey fans, Kendall Coyne Schofield's performance this season has been a surprise. The Frost captain was named PWHL Player of the Week after scoring her first career hat trick in a 5-1 win over the Charge. Coyne Schofield currently leads the PWHL in goals and is tied for first in points.

These four players exemplify the exciting developments unfolding in the PWHL as the 2025-26 season progresses. Their unexpected contributions have not only elevated their respective teams but have also enriched the league's overall competitiveness and entertainment value. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their high level of play and lead their teams to success.