FEBRUARY 26, 2024 — Montréal right wing Claire Dalton, Ottawa left wing Daryl Watts and Boston goaltender Aerin Frankel have been named the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) ‘3 Stars of the Week’ for the week ending February 25.
FIRST STAR – CLAIRE DALTON, RW, MONTRÉAL
Dalton is one of the PWHL’s ‘3 Stars of the Week’ for the first time this season, fresh off a dominant performance on February 24 against Ottawa. The first-year pro, who scored PWHL Montréal’s first-ever goal on January 2, collected a hat trick — including the shorthanded game-winning goal – in a 6-3 victory over Ottawa on the 24th. Adding to her list of firsts for PWHL Montréal, among Dalton’s three goals was the first-ever “jailbreak” tally in her team’s history — a highlight-reel score in the second period. The 23-year-old’s performance helped secure Montréal’s first win at Verdun Auditorium and three points in the standings, which catapulted the team into first overall in the PWHL. Dalton is now third in goals scored on Montréal, just one behind co-leaders Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.
SECOND STAR – DARYL WATTS, LW, OTTAWA
Watts put up four points in three games played last week. She had two goals and two assists, leading the PWHL in scoring for the week and tripling her season point total. Watts also had her first multi-point game of the season, putting up a goal and an assist against Montréal on Saturday. Her 11 shots were tied for second with Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner, with only teammate Hayley Scamurra recording more. Watts now has six points on the season (3G, 3A), which ties her for second in team scoring with four teammates—one behind co-leaders Lexie Adzija and Emily Clark.
THIRD STAR – Aerin Frankel, G, Boston
Frankel’s stellar play last week propelled Boston up the standings from sixth to fourth place. She started three games, winning two in regulation, which is the first time her team has won back-to-back regulation games this season. Frankel allowed just four goals in her three starts, putting up a goals-against-average of 1.35 to go along with a sparkling .961 save percentage. The 24-year-old capped off her week on February 25 with a 41-save performance on the road against Minnesota to lead her team to a 2-0 win, earning her first shutout of the season. At the midway mark of the season, Frankel sits third in the PWHL in goals-against-average—allowing just 1.72 goals per game— and is tied for third with a save percentage of .940.
The ‘3 Stars of the Week’ will be announced each Monday throughout the season and will encompass games from the previous Monday through Sunday. Points will be awarded to each selection and will help determine rankings at the end of the regular season.
First Star = 30 Points
Second Star = 20 Points
Third Star = 10 Points
Standings after six weeks:
1. Natalie Spooner (TOR) = 70 Points
2. Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL) = 60 Points
3. Alex Carpenter (NY) = 50 Points
4. Alina Müller (BOS) = 40 Points
T5. Claire Dalton (MTL) = 30 Points
T5. Grace Zumwinkle (MIN) = 30 Points
T7. Kristen Campbell (TOR) = 20 Points
T7. Jade Downie-Landry (NY) = 20 Points
T7. Brianne Jenner (NY) = 20 Points
T7. Ella Shelton (NY) = 20 Points
T7. Daryl Watts (OTT) = 20 Points
T12. Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN) = 10 Points
T12. Aerin Frankel (BOS) = 10 Points
T12. Taylor Heise (MIN) = 10 Points
T12. Abby Roque (NY) = 10 Points
T12. Corinne Schroeder (NY) = 10 Points