Top 10 Best Female Hockey Players of All Time

The debate over women's hockey's greatest player has dramatically shifted in recent years. Based on expert analysis, fan communities, and professional insights, the consensus has evolved from questioning whether current stars could challenge legends to definitively crowning a new queen. Here are the top 10 best female hockey players ever.

1. Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada) - "Captain Clutch"

Marie-Philip Poulin has officially claimed the throne as the greatest female hockey player ever. The Quebec native earned her legendary nickname "Captain Clutch" by scoring gold medal-winning goals in both the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. Her supernatural ability to perform in the biggest moments sets her apart from every other player in women's hockey history.

Poulin's 2024 season was masterful - despite missing three games due to injury in the PWHL's inaugural season, she finished tied for second in league scoring. She was named IIHF Female Player of the Year in 2025 and continues to captain both Team Canada and Montreal Victoire. What makes Poulin special isn't just skill, but her evolution during a more competitive era where upsets happen regularly and every game requires peak performance.

2. Hayley Wickenheiser (Canada) - The Pioneer

Before Poulin, there was Wickenheiser - the woman who redefined what was possible in women's hockey. Her resume reads like fiction: four Olympic gold medals, one silver, 379 points in 276 games for Team Canada, and Olympic MVP honors in 2002 and 2006. She remains Canada's all-time leader in international goals (168), assists (211), and points (379).

Wickenheiser's greatness extends far beyond statistics. She was the first woman to score a goal in a men's professional league, playing in Finland's third division. She competed in Summer Olympics softball, earned her medical degree, and now serves as Toronto Maple Leafs' senior director of player development while working as a resident physician. Her longevity - playing at elite level from 1994 to 2017 - demonstrated incredible dedication that set the foundation for modern women's hockey.

3. Hilary Knight (USA) - World Championship Queen

If there's one player who could challenge for the top spot on pure offensive dominance, it's Hilary Knight. The American forward has put up video game numbers at World Championships that are simply staggering - 36 goals in 37 World Championship games over the past decade, a full 10 more than any other player. Her 64 total points put her clear of the second-highest scorer.

Knight's consistency across different levels is remarkable. She's the leading American Olympic scorer of the decade and has excelled in every professional league. Beyond scoring, Knight provided unique insights into the mental game, describing hockey as a "sanctuary" where external pressures disappear. Her advocacy for women's hockey growth and understanding of pressure performance - from 1,500-fan arenas to 177,000 at Olympics - showcases complete professionalism.

4. Natalie Spooner (Canada) - 2024 Dominance

The 2024 season belonged entirely to Natalie Spooner. The Toronto Sceptres forward accomplished something remarkable in the PWHL's inaugural campaign - she led the league with 20 goals when no other player scored more than 11. That's not just leading; that's complete domination. Her combination of size, speed, and finishing ability makes her nearly unstoppable when she's on her game.

Spooner's 2024 was a masterclass in consistency at age 32, when many players begin to decline. She earned the PWHL's Top Goal Scorer and Points Leader awards, won the first-ever Billie Jean King MVP Award, and was named IIHF Female Player of the Year. Her four points for Canada at the World Championships and tied leadership in the Rivalry Series demonstrate sustained excellence across all competitions.

5. Alex Carpenter (USA) - Modern Excellence

Alex Carpenter represents the pinnacle of American hockey talent in the modern era. Despite playing for a struggling New York franchise in the PWHL's first season, she finished tied for second in league scoring with 23 points, proving individual excellence transcends team performance. Her 2024 World Championship performance was even more impressive - tied for most goals (6) and points (10) while earning tournament's best forward honors.

The North Reading, Massachusetts native combines elite playmaking with clutch goal-scoring ability. She's been named a finalist for league MVP and consistently ranks among the top scorers in every competition. Carpenter's ability to elevate her game against the world's best competition while maintaining consistency throughout long seasons makes her indispensable to Team USA and one of the most complete players in women's hockey.

6. Brianna Decker (USA) - The Underrated Superstar

Here's the most underrated superstar in women's hockey history. Brianna Decker averaged an astounding 1.84 points per game across 192 games at all levels throughout the 2010s - a number that would make any player jealous. She's won everything possible: Olympic gold, World Championship gold, NCAA crown, and league titles in both CWHL and NWHL.

What makes Decker special is her Gretzky-like ability to slow down the game and make perfect passes. She can score, but she's equally dangerous as a playmaker with exceptional vision. Her versatility and hockey IQ separate her from pure goal scorers. Despite being overshadowed by Knight's star power, Decker's production has been every bit as impressive. When she hangs up her skates, her career throughout the 2010s should guarantee Hall of Fame induction.

7. Jenni Hiirikoski (Finland) - Elite International Defender

Finland's Jenni Hiirikoski can make a legitimate case as the most criminally underrated player of the decade. The defender has been named top Olympic defender twice - the only player besides Hall of Famer Angela Ruggiero to achieve this honor. She also holds a World Championship MVP award and six top defender awards this decade.

Hiirikoski's consistency at the highest level is remarkable. She captained JYP in the Finnish league and Luleå HF to six consecutive SDHL championships in Sweden. Her rating of 92 overall in NHL video games made her the highest-rated defender globally. Despite all these accomplishments, she rarely enters GOAT conversations simply because she's not from North America. Her impact on Finland's rise as a hockey power cannot be overstated.

8. Kendall Coyne Schofield (USA) - Speed and Skill

Kendall Coyne Schofield became a household name after her stunning performance at the 2019 NHL All-Star Game fastest skater competition, where she showcased elite speed that captivated mainstream audiences. But she was already a superstar - the third-highest scoring American player of the decade with incredible NCAA achievements.

Her 141 goals are the most in NCAA history, while her 249 career points rank third all-time. Coyne Schofield was named World Championship top forward in 2019 and maintains nine points in ten Olympic contests. Her skating speed combined with elite puck skills makes her nearly impossible to defend in open ice. She brought mainstream attention to women's hockey through her All-Star appearance and continues delivering at the highest levels internationally.

9. Shannon Szabados (Canada) - Goaltending Excellence

The veteran Canadian goalkeeper stepped into the spotlight at the 2010 Olympics and never left. Shannon Szabados won two Olympic gold medals, earned two top goaltender awards, and provided the backbone for Canada's golden generation. Her calm presence in net gave Canadian skaters confidence to play aggressive, offensive hockey.

Szabados played four professional seasons, including her remarkable 2018-19 campaign with the Buffalo Beauts where she won the league's top netminder award with a 1.49 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. Her ability to elevate performance in the biggest moments - Olympics, World Championships, and professional playoffs - demonstrates the mental fortitude required of elite goaltenders. She represents the gold standard for women's goaltending excellence.

10. Sarah Fillier (Canada) - Rising Star

At just 24 years old, Sarah Fillier has already established herself among the world's elite players. The Georgetown, Ontario native was a key contributor to Canada's recent international success and brings dynamic offensive capability to every lineup she joins. Her combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ suggests even greater achievements ahead.

Fillier scored crucial goals during Canada's World Championship run and has seamlessly transitioned to professional hockey with the New York Sirens. Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations reminds many observers of a young Poulin. While she's the youngest player on this list, her early career accomplishments and continued development trajectory indicate she'll be challenging for GOAT status within the next decade. She represents the bright future of Canadian women's hockey.

The Evolution of Greatness

The research reveals a clear evolution: Marie-Philip Poulin has surpassed Hayley Wickenheiser as the greatest female hockey player ever through clutch performance in a more competitive era. The PWHL's emergence creates new standards for measuring greatness, with future stars like Sarah Fillier and rising NCAA talents ready to challenge these established legends. Women's hockey has never been stronger.