2024 Top 25 Under 25: Danielle Serdachny (5)

If you had to guess who would score the gold medal-winning goal for Team Canada at this past spring’s World Championship, Danielle Serdachny probably wouldn't be your first guess. At least, not unless you were an NCAA fan, paying attention to the solid college career she amassed prior to being selected second overall in the PWHL draft in June. 

As an integral part of the Colgate Raiders, who made it all the way to the Frozen Four in March before being narrowly eliminated by Wisconsin, Serdachny served up 61 points, including 22 goals, in 40 games played, leading the team in her fifth year.

She also, as mentioned earlier, played at Worlds, where she made her impact when it most counted – barely over five minutes into overtime, in the dying seconds of a Canada power play. Serdachny placed herself right in front of Aerin Frankel, in prime position for a bounce in front on the initial shot, and she didn't miss, making it a 6-5 golden win in enemy territory.

That in itself was probably enough for PWHL Ottawa GM Mike Hirshfeld to pick the 5-foot-9 Edmonton, AB native. For all its talent on paper, Ottawa couldn't find the back of the net very often, and Serdachny offers a welcome injection of playmaking as well as grit to the lineup. She's a sizable forward, and playing on a team like Colgate means she's used to being a little rough and tumble when it comes to her play (for real, I bet anyone who's watched a Colgate game is nodding their heads vigorously reading this). It's up to what Carla MacLeod wants to do with her, but I think Serdachny has also made clear that she can make the most of whatever role she's in.

Too High/Too Low?

It honestly comes down to such small details at this point in the countdown. It's hard to say Serdachny deserves to be any higher up considering the medal she just helped Canada win, plus being one of the top-scoring college forwards in the entire nation. Honestly, top five is where I would have her – despite not having pro experience yet, I think she is one to watch for sure come next season.