Corinne Schroeder may have been the best goaltender the Premier Hockey Federation had ever seen, forever holding three records, but now she's looking to bring her talent to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
The Elm Creek product was the third goalie selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft and will be heading to New York, New York, when the first season begins in January.
"It was definitely one of the places I was hoping to end up," says Schroeder. "I was really excited about that. It was a pretty nerve-wracking day still, not exactly knowing where I might land. So, I was very happy when I finally heard my name called by New York."
Schroeder was the 33rd overall pick in the draft, being selected in the sixth round by the New York squad that has yet to decide on moniker. She attended the draft in Toronto and says it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
"It was really well run. They had a purple carpet laid out when we entered, and we took some pictures and signed some autographs. It was a really cool atmosphere to be in the same room with most of the best female hockey players in the world," Schroeder explains. "It was really exciting to be able to witness a lot of my friends getting drafted as well and see where they're going to end up next season. By the time round six came around, I was still pretty anxious and nervous, but I found a place with New York."
Taking a tendy in the 6th Round ✨ Corinne Schroeder is our 33rd overall pick! #PWHLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/mHuf1PTefs
— PWHL New York (@PWHL_NewYork) September 18, 2023
The 24-year-old says she's only ever been to the Big Apple once in her life.
"It'll be a bit new, but I'm excited for a new opportunity and a little change. There are a lot of sports teams out in New York. They definitely have a big fan base for hockey and just sports in general. It'll be exciting to play in such a historic city for sports."
Last year, Schroeder was named the Premier Hockey Federation's Goalie of the Year and Rookie of the Year while breaking numerous league records. With the league folding to help pave the way for the PWHL, Schroeder will forever hold the record for most shutouts in a season (7), most wins in a season (19), and total saves in a season (761).
"Yeah, it's pretty cool. I hadn't really thought about it, but it'll be nice to know that I'm in the history books and that it won't change," Schroeder continues. "I look forward to writing some new records in this new league."
Schroeder says she's most looking forward to the level of competition in the PWHL.
"I'm really excited about the overall skill level. Just being drafted is a huge accomplishment with the talent there was in the draft pool. The competition is going to be really intense and challenging, which is exciting for me. That'll help me grow as a player and help me develop further to reach my full potential. There's so much to be excited about."
The debut season for the PWHL begins in January, and it allows women to continue playing high-level hockey beyond the NCAA and international stages. Schroeder couldn't be more proud to be a part of this monumental period.
"It's honestly a huge achievement in women's hockey to combine the leagues in North America to make one much better league with all of the best talent. It's exciting for women's hockey to have that CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) in place before even starting the league," Schroeder explains. "Personally, being a part of this new league and new setup is really amazing. It's something that will be the start of great things, I'm sure, and great opportunities for all of the players coming up. It gives them a great option to keep playing after college."
The six-team league will be off and running at the beginning of the new year.