Thompson Looking Forward To New Faces, New Opportunities in PWHL

Claire Thompson knows many of her soon-to-be teammates in Minnesota, but not as teammates. In fact, the vast majority of Minnesota's lineup have been opponents of Thompson's for years.

"It's something I've kind of thought a lot about and thought of like as kind of a definite big positive of going to Minnesota was getting to meet some of these girls that I've played against for many years," said Thompson.

Following the draft, many of those American rivals reached out to their newest defender. Thompson admittedly had more friends and former teammates on every other team in the PWHL, with Sophie Jaques as the lone exception in Minnesota, but she's excited to get to know her former opponents as teammates.

"It's something I'm definitely looking forward to, getting to know some of these girls that I've, not hated, but they've been my competitors for so long...I think there's an element of when you play with people you appreciate what they do so much more."

Internationally as a member of Team Canada, those opponents and competitors have included PWHL Minnesota's Nicole Hensley, Maddie Rooney, Lee Stecklein, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Taylor Heise, Kelly Pannek, Britta Curl, and Grace Zumwinkle from Team USA, as well as Team Czechia's Denisa Krizova and Klara Hymlarova. When you add past NCAA opponents, the list grows again.

While she's focused on being their teammate with PWHL Minnesota and aiming for another Walter Cup title for the State of Hockey, Thompson also has her sights set on becoming an opponent of these national team members again. Specifically, Thompson wants to reclaim her spot on Team Canada's roster.

"I definitely want to be back on that team," Thompson told The Hockey News. "They did amazing things at the World Championships and so it will be a tough battle, there's so many skilled Canadian players right now that it's definitely not a given that I will be back on that team at all."

Thompson however did state she's communicated with Team Canada's management, and they understand her commitment to staying sharp, and that they were always supportive of both her academic and athletic goals.

The former Olympic and World Championship gold medalist has a challenge ahead, but she's also one of the most skilled blueliners on the planet, and is capable of showcasing her elite skills again in the PWHL, as well as internationally.