Sandra Abstreiter, a standout goalie for Germany’s women’s national ice hockey team, has made history as the first German player in the PWHL. After a challenging preseason as a free agent, she secured a roster spot with Montreal following her time with Ottawa. With the PWHL promising better conditions for female athletes, Abstreiter aims to become the league’s top goalie while embracing the excitement and potential expansion of women’s ice hockey.
Sandra Abstreiter: Trailblazer for German Women’s Ice Hockey
Sandra Abstreiter stands as the undisputed star goalie for the German women’s national ice hockey team. At just 26 years of age, she has made history by becoming the first German player to join the North American professional league, the PWHL, fulfilling the aspirations of countless female ice hockey athletes.
The Courageous Journey to the PWHL
Entering a preseason as a free agent is no small feat, especially in a league that offers only 18 roster spots for goalkeepers. This was the unique challenge faced by Sandra Abstreiter. Following her success at the Deutschland Cup, her teammates returned to their clubs, but for Abstreiter, the real battle for a spot on the team was just beginning. Competing with two other goalkeepers in Montreal, she aimed for the final roster spot.
Originally hailing from Freising, Abstreiter had secured her team when the Professional Women’s Hockey League launched on January 1, 2024. In a thrilling draft, she was chosen by Ottawa Charge in the twelfth round, marking her at position 68. This selection process is common in North American leagues, aimed at recruiting the top collegiate players.
However, after the previous season, the 1.81m tall goalkeeper opted to terminate her contract with Ottawa, feeling constrained in her role. She only played in three out of 24 games, showcasing the incredible talent present in the PWHL, where even the best goalkeepers can find themselves as backups.
During the offseason, Montreal offered Abstreiter a tryout contract, meaning she would need to secure her place during a rigorous two-week training camp. “The camp wasn’t physically exhausting due to frequent breaks, but it required absolute focus in goal to impress,” she reflects.
And impress she did. Just before four on a Monday afternoon, the team manager and coach welcomed her with the good news: she had made the roster.
As she enters her second season in the PWHL, Abstreiter is gearing up for her first game against her former team, the Ottawa Charge. Excitement fills the air as she recalls her teammates rooting for her success.
Abstreiter’s journey into the PWHL is part of a larger narrative, supported by fans and advocates like tennis legend Billie Jean King. At 81, King is a symbol of the fight for women’s equality and has partnered with billionaire Mark Walter to establish the league, which debuted in August 2023.
The formation of the PWHL followed a four-year strike by the PWHPA, which highlighted poor conditions, inadequate healthcare, and salaries significantly below the German minimum wage.
The PWHL promises better conditions, including collective agreements that ensure annual salaries ranging from $34,000 to $80,000, along with bonuses, improved medical care, and clear travel guidelines. This new structure has resonated with players and fans alike, leading to record attendance figures across all six participating cities.
As enthusiasm for the league continues to grow, Abstreiter believes that the momentum will carry into the upcoming season. “There’s definitely excitement all around. Behind the scenes, work is continuously being done. Rumors are already swirling about potential expansion next season,” she shares.
Despite the thrilling milestones, Abstreiter maintains aspirations for the future: “Ultimately, I aim to be the number one goalie in the league. I’m not attached to a specific city; I’ll go wherever the opportunity takes me.” Her calm and strategic approach has already proven successful, particularly in her quest for a roster position.