Sarah Fillier: A New Chapter With PWHL New York and ... CCM?

In an exciting turn of events for women’s hockey, Sarah Fillier, the dynamic forward from Georgetown, Ontario, recently was selected first overall in the 2024 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft by PWHL New York. This selection marks the beginning of a promising professional career for Fillier, who has been a standout player throughout her collegiate tenure at Princeton University.

At Princeton, Fillier consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills, finishing each of her four seasons with better than a point-per-game pace. Her most recent season saw her amass 43 points in just 29 games, a testament to her offensive prowess and playmaking ability. This remarkable performance made it no surprise that she was chosen as the top pick in this year’s PWHL draft. The New York franchise is undoubtedly gaining a highly skilled and impactful player who is expected to make an immediate difference for the team.

Fillier’s achievements extend beyond collegiate hockey. She has proudly represented Canada in various international tournaments, showcasing her talents on the global stage. Her continued involvement with the Canadian women’s national team is anticipated and she is expected to play a significant role in its future success.

While her professional career is just beginning, Fillier has already made headlines off the ice with a surprising endorsement deal. Shortly after the PWHL draft, it was announced that she had signed with CCM and will be using its equipment going forward. This move has shocked many, as Fillier was previously known for using Bauer equipment, particularly this past season with the Vapor HyperLite 2 stick and skates. Her helmet, gloves, and pants were CCM due to Princeton’s partnership with the company, but her preference for Bauer sticks and skates seemed well established. We should also add that Bauer sticks and skates were her choices on the international stage as well.

Given her history with Bauer, many expected it to be a slam dunk that Fillier would sign with the company upon turning professional. However, her decision to align with CCM could possibly indicate that it presented an offer she couldn’t refuse. This switch represents a significant change in her equipment choices, and it will be exciting to see how she adjusts to this new gear setup as she makes her debut with PWHL New York.

The transition to CCM equipment raises questions about the adjustment period required for such a comprehensive change. Athletes often develop strong preferences for their gear, and a switch of this magnitude can be challenging. However, Fillier’s exceptional talent and adaptability suggest that she will handle this transition smoothly. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this change impacts her performance on the ice.

As Sarah Fillier embarks on this new chapter of her career, both her status as the first overall pick and her role as one of CCM’s newest ambassadors will be closely followed. Her journey with PWHL New York and her continued presence on the Canadian national team promise to be thrilling narratives in the world of women’s hockey. With her talent, determination, and new professional affiliations, Fillier is poised for a remarkable career ahead. Her ability to inspire and entertain fans will undoubtedly make her a prominent figure in the sport for years to come.

Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire