2018 Women’s Hockey Top 25 Under 25 | No. 13 - 11: Emerance Maschmeyer & Sophie Shirley; Emily Clark; Cayla Barnes

No. 13 (tie) - EMERANCE MASCHMEYER, Les Canadiennes de Montreal

Past Accomplishments:

Her first season starting in goal for Montreal, Maschmeyer led the CWHL in wins (18) and shutouts (6 tied with Raty) while posting a 1.78 GAA and .920 save percentage. Her play helped Les Canadiennes edge the Red Stars for the CWHL regular season title. Prior to the Olympics, she was invited to camp for Team Canada. Though she didn’t make the roster (she was listed as an emergency backup), she did find herself a new opportunity - goaltending coach at Concordia with former Canadienne Julie Chu.

Future Impact:

If Maschmeyer repeats last season’s performance, there is no reason she and Les Canadiennes shouldn’t be the Clarkson Cup favorites. Her coaching at Concordia will only improve her game and likely produce some Maschmeyer clones.

Is this ranking too high or too low?

Maschmeyer was ranked third last season. Some felt the rank was too high because injuries hampered her down the stretch in 2017. That being said, she’s shown she is still very capable of competing with Olympic level talent. This ranking feels a little low in comparison to her last ranking but just right for someone having to show she’s back to form.

No. 13 (tie) - SOPHIE SHIRLEY, Wisconsin Badgers

Past Accomplishments:

The Saskatoon native chose to defer her freshman year at Wisconsin and play for the Calgary Inferno last season. The two-time U18 Silver Medalist put up 8 goals and 11 assists (8-11-19) en route to winning CWHL Rookie of the Year. This year she joins a stacked Wisconsin Badgers team looking to make its way back to the Frozen Four. Most recently she played on Team Canada’s U18 team in a three-game series against the US.

Future Impact:

Shirley has shown she can compete not only at an international level but at a professional level, as well. Transitioning from the CWHL to the NCAA shouldn’t be an issue. Her talents can only help Wisconsin in its quest to return to the Frozen Four and win a national title. Should she make the Canadian National Team, expect her to play in front of her hometown crowd at the Four Nations Cup.

Is this ranking too high or too low?

At 19, Shirley is a decorated athlete with a mountain of potential. She’s proved she can play on almost any stage you put her on. Being ranked #13 after your rookie season is a great start for this star in the making.

No. 12 - EMILY CLARK, Wisconsin Badgers

Past Accomplishments:

The current Wisconsin senior returns to the Badgers after red-shirting to play in her first Olympics. Clark scored her first Olympic goal against the Olympic Athletes from Russia in the semi-final game. With an impressive trophy case — two U-18 gold medals and three Women’s World silver medals — Clark added a silver medal when Canada lost to the US in PyeongChang.

Future Impact:

Clark has a chance to crack 150 career NCAA points this season. Given the talent on the Badgers, that number should be easily in reach. Back with the Badgers, she looks to add an elusive NCAA National Title. No word yet on her post-graduation plans but should she decide to go pro, she would have an immediate impact in either the CWHL or NWHL.

Is this ranking too high or too low?

Her accomplishments at the international level raised her to #12 on this list. She has the potential for another stellar year at Wisconsin. All in all, this ranking could be a little higher, but not much.

No. 11 - CAYLA BARNES, Boston College

Past Accomplishments:

Barnes became the only player to win three consecutive golds at the IIHF U18 tournament (2015-17). Including the 2017 Four Nations Cup and 2018 Olympics, Barnes’ teams have brought home gold in five consecutive international tournaments. The Eastvale, California native was named Directorate Award winner as best defender at the 2016 & 2017 U-18 tournaments. Recently she was named captain for the US U-22 team.

Future Impact:

Withdrawing five games into the 2017-18 season, Barnes returns to Boston College this season. Joined by fellow Olympians Kali Flanagan and Megan Keller, Barnes can only bolster Boston College’s quest for a Frozen Four berth and national title chances.

Is this ranking too high or too low?

At only nineteen, Barnes has already shown she can hold her own against the world’s top talent. How she fairs against the NCAA in her first full season at Boston College will determine whether or not this ranking is too high or low.