Claire Murdoch, the UConn forward, is back for a third season with Canada’s National Development Team. She finished last season as a Hockey East top performer and is expected to be a playmaker for the national squad.
Claire Murdoch: Playmaker for Canada
Murdoch returned to the National Development roster for a third time, having already made an impact in previous cycles. Last season she was a standout in Hockey East, finishing the campaign with a high point total that highlighted her vision and passing ability. Her reputation as a playmaker who lifts teammates’ performance aligns with Canada’s need for creative forwards, especially as the program looks to complement its growing pool of goal‑scoring talent.
Kate Manness: Defensive Powerhouse
While the spotlight often falls on Sara Manness, Kate Manness, her twin, deserves equal attention. The Clarkson defender was an ECAC All‑Star as a rookie and ranked seventh nationally among defenders in scoring. Four of the players ahead of her will be joining the PWHL next season, indicating the high level of competition she has already faced. Kate’s offensive contributions from the blue line make her a dual‑role asset for Canada’s future.
Makayla Watson: Two‑Way Defense
The Quinnipiac defenseman brings experience and a balanced game to the development squad. Watson had a risk‑taking style in her first two seasons but settled into a more stable two‑way role this year. Her performance has drawn comparisons to PWHL first‑round pick Sara Swiderski, suggesting she could develop into a national team prospect with continued growth.
Abby Stonehouse: Physical Presence
Penn State’s Abby Stonehouse exemplifies the prototypical Canadian national team player. She combines speed, grit, and a growing goal‑scoring touch, traits seen in former Canadian stars like Blayre Turnbull and Emily Clark. With Penn State losing many players to the PWHL, Stonehouse is stepping into a larger offensive role while still delivering a physical checking presence that could make her a third‑line option for Canada.
Hayley McDonald: Rising Rookie
Former U‑18 national team captain Hayley McDonald is starting her NCAA rookie season with Ohio State. She posted nine points in six games for the U‑18 team last year and captained RINK Academy. Her physicality and early success suggest she could adapt quickly to the NCAA’s elite competition, signaling a promising future for the Canadian program.
These five players-Murdoch, Manness, Watson, Stonehouse, and McDonald-represent different tiers of development yet share a common goal: to earn a spot on Canada’s senior national team and attract PWHL scouts. Their varied trajectories-from seasoned veterans to promising rookies-illustrate the depth of talent Canada is cultivating for international success.
