The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to debut two former Colgate Raiders, Danielle Serdachny and Malia Schneider, in its upcoming season. Both players had impressive collegiate careers at Colgate University, with Serdachny being a key player in the team’s ECAC Championship win in 2022. Schneider, on the other hand, was a top scorer for the Raiders, earning numerous awards and recognition during her time at the university.
Serdachny, a forward, was drafted by the Buffalo Beauts in the 2022 PWHL draft. She had a remarkable collegiate career, scoring 34 goals and 63 points in 123 games. Her speed, agility, and scoring ability made her a valuable asset to the Raiders, and she is expected to bring the same level of intensity to the PWHL. Serdachny’s experience playing in high-pressure games, including the ECAC Championship, will likely serve her well in the professional league.
Schneider, also a forward, was signed by the Toronto Six as a free agent. During her time at Colgate, she scored 44 goals and 94 points in 134 games, making her one of the top scorers in the program’s history. Schneider’s impressive speed, skill, and work ethic earned her numerous awards, including the ECAC Rookie of the Year award in 2018. Her experience playing against top-level competition in the NCAA will prepare her for the challenges of the PWHL.
The PWHL, formerly known as the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a rebranding and expansion. The league aims to provide a professional platform for women’s hockey players to compete at the highest level, with a focus on growing the sport and increasing its visibility. The addition of talented players like Serdachny and Schneider will undoubtedly enhance the league’s competitiveness and appeal.
The debut of these two former Colgate Raiders in the PWHL is a testament to the university’s strong women’s hockey program, which has produced numerous talented players over the years. The program’s emphasis on developing players’ skills, both on and off the ice, has prepared Serdachny and Schneider for the challenges of professional hockey. As they begin their PWHL careers, they will face stiff competition, but their experience and skills will likely serve them well in the league.