With the 2025 Division 1 Group B U18 World Championships soon to begin, it is time for our annual rankings of the top U20 women’s players of 2024. This year’s list was working off what we could find in the footage of about 25 to 30 TLHK games in Poland. While we get great information from statistics and tremendous input from coaches, staff, and teammates on players, the final word is always mine. I hate when that final word sometimes comes on players with little to no game film in 2023-24.

A large portion of my rankings are also based on a production score metric I created for judging Polish hockey. The production score is used for the men’s ranking as well. The 2023-24 season saw expansion and changes to how the TLHK ran. This resulted in a much higher-scoring league.

• In the 2022-23 season, there were 352 total goals scored across the 42 regular season games. An average of 8.38 goals per game.

• In the 2023-24 season, there were 845 total goals scored across the 90 regular season games. An average of 9.39 goals per game.

You will commonly hear players who achieved career highs during the 2024 season due to this scoring jump. A lot of that production will likely be coming back down during the 2025 season, so although the numbers are the best they have been for a player, they still might have dropped in the rankings due to so many others also scoring at inflated rates.

Players had to be under 20 and at least 13 years old on June 1st, 2024. We are only judging play that occurred before that date as well. Players are evaluated based on a combination of career history, current play, and potential. Skaters must have played at least three games to be considered. While most of the ranking is my opinion, numerous Polish hockey people contributed their thoughts on players. One hundred fifteen players were considered for the list and reviewed. Fifty players received a ranking.

Rank – Player Name (Position), Age During Next Hockey Season, Team (Ranking in 2023, change in rankings) 

50 – Lena Makowska (F), 14, Stoczniowiec Gdansk (NR)

Markowska makes her debut in the rankings after her strong debut in the TLHK. In her rookie season, she found the back of the net three times while also assisting with four goals. A .5 point per game average is a solid start as she will look to compete for a spot on the U18 squad in the coming years. 

49 – Julia Nowak (F), 17, SMS Bytom (41, -8)

Nowak got a big boost in opportunity this year with the change to Polonia Bytom. In 17 matches for the SMS Bytom squad, she put up 12 points (4G-8A-12PTS) in 21 games, setting career highs. She also moved to the playoffs with Polonia Bytom, picking up an assist in four games. A fringe U18 roster player right now, she needs to find a new level to her game to make it over some high-producing young talent. 

48 – Martyna Kolorz (F), 18, UKH Biale Jastrzebie, (NR)

Kolorz joins the rankings after making her TLHK debut at 17, and it was a great debut with 17 points (6G-11A-17PTS) in 19 games. This was third on Jastrezebie in goals and points while being tied for first in assists on the team. 

47 – Antonina Palion (F), 17, Naprzod Janow, (50, +3)

Palion took a considerable step forward production-wise in the TLHK with 15 points (7G-8A-15PTS) in 23 games—another player setting career highs in a significantly increased scoring year for the league. Despite getting looks last year, the young forward did not receive any U18 national team consideration this season. 

46 – Oliwia Wroniecka (D), 14, PTH Kozice Poznan (NR)

Wroniecka was listed as both a forward and defenseman during her debut season in the TLHK, but in either place, she produced. Her nine points (2G-7A-9PTS) in 17 games are a great start to any career. She is one to watch for the U18 squad in the upcoming seasons. Wroniecka was a part of the Zietara youth program before joining Poznan in the TLHK. 

45 – Weronika Wrobel (F), 14, Naprzod Janow, (NR) 

Wrobel debuted in 2023, getting a lone appearance, but 2024 saw much more action. The young forward made 12 appearances, mainly during the regular season with 11 games. In that extended action, she had four goals and four assists. 

44 – Nadia Sibik (D), 14, Unia Oswiecim, (NR)

It was a big debut year for Sibik as the 13-year-old defenseman helped out Oswiecim big on their back end offensively with nine points (4G-5A-9PTS) in 12 games. Sibik will be on the watchlist for the 2026 U18 squad but has already appeared in a few camps with the junior national team. 

43 – Aleksandra Langner (D), 19, Unia Oswiecim, (NR)

It was a big offensive year for the Langner as she earned a more significant role on Oswiecim and flourished with 12 points (4G-8A-12PTS) in 23 games. It was a new career high at the level. She is decent defensively, and if her game can be rounded out, she is someone to watch as a late bloomer for the national team. 

42 – Maja Malinowska (F), 15, Naprzod Janow, (37, -3)

Malinowska’s production rose significantly in 2023 but saw a slight dip in 2024. It was still a big year for the young forward, with five points (1G-4A-5PTS) in 22 games. The most significant part of the year was her first call up to Poland U18, where she was one of four 15-year-olds to make the team. In five games, she finished a plus-one with four shots on goal. 

41 – Marta Krzyzanowska (D), 13, PTH Kozice Poznan, (NR)

One of the players who received the highest production grades of the year, Krzyzanowska was a sensation in her age 12 season with 17 points (6G-11A-17PTS) in 13 games. This was third among U18 defensemen. At the same time, I’m usually wary about ranking players high immediately after a strong roookie year. Publishing the list late means I can see that her output will be sustained in 2025.  Krzyzanowska will be a name to watch on U18 rosters over the next few seasons, starting in 2026. 

40 –  Natalia Kozlowska (F), SMS Bytom, (31, -9)

Kozlowska was one of the players who benefited from the increased ice time thanks to the Bytom experiment. She recorded career highs with a massive jump in production, going from five points to 15 points (11G-4A-15PTS). Unfortunately, she did not stick with the Bytom squad for the playoffs or make the U18 team. One of the things that I hate about getting the list out so late is seeing players who were ranked reitire or not play the following year, which is the case with Kozlowska. 

39 – Magdalena Mroszczak (F), Podhale Nowy Targ, (42, +3)

After maintaining her production over the past couple of seasons, 2024 was the breakout year for Mroszczak. The young forward posted her best numbers with 18 points (10G-8A-18PTS) in 17 games with Podhale. She moved to Gdansk for the playoffs, getting in six more games and now will be sticking with Gdansk in 2025. 

38 – Milena Szlachtowska (F), 16, SMS Bytom, (30, -8)

Szlachtowska excelled with Podhale in 2023, earning her a spot with SMS Bytom for 2024. She ran with the opportunity, scoring 15 goals in 17 games. This was fifth on the team for goals. She is a player I am surprised didn’t get more consideration for the U18 squad. 

37 – Emilia Stankiewicz (F), 14, PTH Kozice Poznan, (NR) 

One of the best prospects to come out of the emerging Lodz hockey program, Stankiewicz made her TLHK debut with PTH Kozice Poznan. It was a grand debut with 12 points (7G-5A-12PTS) in 16 matches. Her 12 points were 12th among U16 skaters in the league. Stankiwicz has been well hyped up by those we talked to in Poland and should be a key member of the U18 squad over her junior career.

36 – Laura Bulas (D), 19, Naprzod Janow, (34, -2)

Bulas has long been fighting for a more significant role in Janow and has earned an increased role over the last few years. 2024 was her best year yet, with career highs in every category as she scored two goals, 12 assists, and 14 points in 22 games. While she never made the national team during her junior career, she may be one to watch as a late bloomer for the senior squad in the years to come. 

35 – Magdalena Olszewska (F), 19, KS Cracovia 1906, (46, +11)

Olszewska continues to be one of the biggest success stories out of Cracovia. She was their star on a team desperate for offense and led the team with 18 points (6G-12A-18PTS) in 15 games. She would be loaned to Gdansk for the playoffs and picked up another assist in four games.  

34 – Emma Gilga (F), 16, UKH Biale Jastrzebie, (NR)

Gilga was one of the big stories of the year for Jastrzebie. On a team desperate for offense, she contributed to over half their total goals with 23 points (12G-11A-23PTS) in 20 games. This was after having zero points last season. Its production which is likely not sustainable, but the young forward should still be praised for such a strong year. Among all U18 skaters, she was tenth in points. 

33 – Dominika Panol (G), 14, Naprzod Janow, (46, +13)

Panol is so young, but has also shown that she is super talented. It is crazy the amount of potential the Polish U18 goaltending room has right now, as Panol herself is battling for starts with Janow’s other star U16 goalie, Justyna Koszyk. When Panol was in the net she was up for the challenge with a .917 SV% in 11 games. Panol will be joining the crowded U18 roster battle in the coming years. Her only disadvantage to her peers is a few inches in height. 

32 – Amelia Firek (D), 17, SMS Bytom, (44, +12)

Another player that benefited from the SMS Bytom experiment as Firek recorded 16 points (4G-12A-16PTS) in 16 games. Her point per game average was ninth among all defensemen in the league. She would also carry over to Polonia Bytom for the playoffs, appearing in six games. I am shocked she was never able to get a chance with the U18 squad. 

31 – Iga Kosturska (D), 15, Niedzwiadki Sanok U16, (48, +17)

Kosturska is a promising young defender who spent most of 2024 playing in the men’s U16 leauge with her hometown, Sanok. At the U16 level, she picked up six assists in 17 matches. Kosturska also got three assists during six TLHK games between Cracovia and Gdansk. Most importantly, the then 14-year-old got her first call-up to the Polish U18 squad. The third youngest member of the team, she is likely a lock for the squad going forward. 

30 – Oliwia Chrapek (G), 16 HC Falcons Sokol Karviná, (45, +15) 

Chrapek moved to Czechia and the HC Karviná organization for the 2024 season. The young goalie split time between the senior and U17 squad. In her seven games with the senior team, recording a 3.29 goals-against average. She will join the crowded starting goalie battle at the 2025 U18s. 

29 – Nikola Wencel (D), 18, Naprzod Janow, (24, -5)

A leader on the Naprzod Janow defense, Wencel stepped up her game in the TLHK this past year. She put up 11 points (2G-9A-11PTS) in 21 games. She also made her second and final appearance for the U18 squad helping them to a bronze medal at the D1B U18 Championship. Wencel will probably not make the national team this season or the next, but if her game continues to grow, she will find a spot on the senior squad one day. 

28 – Alicja Hudziak (G), 15 , SMS Bytom, (NR) 

Hudziak earns a high debut ranking after a fantastic club season with Bytom. Regardless of age, she was one of the best goalies in the TLHK this year. As the starting goalie for SMS Bytom, she finished with a .922 SV% in 14 matches. Hudziak would continue playing with Polonia Bytom when the playoffs came, stopping 50 shots in four games. Hudziak also made her IIHF junior debut in relief against Spain, stopping 11 of 12 shots in the third period. It is a very crowded and talented U18 goalie room, but Hudziak has good size at 5’7, and I expect her to compete for the starting job over the next few seasons. 

27 – Lena Kabelis-Szostakowska (D), 16, Naprzod Janow, (29, +2)

Kabelis-Szostakowska made her IIHF junior debut for Poland in the 2024 season. After a strong season in the TLHK, it was a well-deserved call-up, where she finished with 13 points (7G-6A-13PTS) in 23 games. Those 13 points were sixth among all U18 defenders in the league. 

26 – Alicja Kobiela (G), 17, Poland U18, (26, +0)

Kobiela did not get to play a lot this season during the club year but was quite busy on the international side. The Sosnoweic native was the starting goaltender for Poland U18 throughout the year, including at the D1B U18 World Championship. In her five games, she posted a .871 save percentage, with the standout being a 17-save shutout versus Australia. She will have to fight Justyna Koszyk for the starting job in 2025. 

25 – Edyta Cybula (D), 18, HK Karviná U17, (38, +13)

Cybula was the player I was the most excited to see at last year’s U18s, as we don’t get many reports on players out of Czechia and how they’re progressing. She had an up and down event, looking her best against South Korea, but she struggled against Spain. The U18 squad will miss her experience this year. During the club year, she played with the Men’s U17 squad and for the women’s senior team of HK Karviná. In a couple of years, I see Cybula competing for a spot on the national team defense, and her experience abroad should aid her in that. 

24 – Weronika Świątek (F), 16, PTH Kozice Poznan, (22, -2)

Świątek returned to Poznan after a season with Gdansk. She reestablished herself as a team leader with her hometown club and scored 29 points (23G-6A-29PTS) in 20 games. Her 29 points were sixth among all U18 skaters during the regular season. She also made her second appearance for Poland U18, showing her best play against Poland’s lower-ranked opponents. Her play at the 2024 European Girls Trophy tournament was much stronger. Świątek is still very young, and if she can find another gear to her game, I can easily see her making the senior national team later in her career. 

23 – Anna Sencerz (F), 16, SMS Bytom, (21, -2)

Sencerz was a skater I was hoping to see breakout, especially as she moved to Bytom from Gdansk. SMS Bytom afforded her more chances as she set career highs with 19 points (4G-15A-19PTS) in 15 regular season games. When Polonbia Bytom returned for the playoffs, she would go pointless in six games. She made her second appearance for Poland U18, going pointless with six shots. The U18 squad will need some forwards to step up as Lena Zięba and Magdalena Łąpieś age off. I hope Sencerz can help fill their roles. 

22 – Agata Cybulska (F), 16, PTH Kozice Poznan, (25, +3)

One of Poznan’s leading forwards, Cybulska, returned home after a year with Gdansk. It was a great homecoming year as the young forward led her team in points with 34 (23G-11-34PTS). That kind of production made it no surprise that she was named to her second U18 squad. Cybulska couldn’t get on the box score, but I thought she had a great tournament. She was a bit unlucky as she finished with zero goals on 12 shots, with some being very good chances. If Poland wants to win gold and promotion from D1B, it will depend on whether players like Cybulska can take that next step forward. 

21 – Jadwiga Jankowska (F), 17, Naprzod Janow, (16, -5) 

Jankowska was building a lot of good momentum last year, and her drop is more due to some young stars entering the list. I was hoping she could be a leader for Poland at the U18s, but her tournament was cut short after an injury versus Spain. She will be a veteran for the U18 squad in 2025 and should be relied on for some big minutes. Her club season saw her double her previous production with 31 points (16G-15A-31PTS) in 22 games. She also made her EWHL playing in a handful of games with Silesian Metropolis. I don’t know how soon she will start battling for the senior squad, but she will one day fight for a spot. 

20 – Karolina Gawandtka (F), 15, SMS Bytom, (47, +27)

One of the biggest risers on our list this year, Gawandtka earned it with a fantastic club and international season. She is a player who wants to generate and create offensive chances, which is a great trait. She finished the U18s with two goals on 25 shots. It didn’t matter the opponent. She found a way to get the puck in the offensive zone and then get it on the net. Poland could be a dangerous team if she can turn more of those shots into goals in 2025. She had great club years across the Bytom system, scoring 32 goals in 30 games. 

19 – Natalia Wanczuk (D), 16, Naprzod Janow, (33, +14)

After just making her debut last year, Wanczuk will be a key player for the U18 squad over the next couple of seasons. With four defenders not returning for the event, Wanczuk will be relied on extensively due to age or retirement. The offensive defenseman showed she is ready for it during the club year, with Janow posting 14 points (6G-8A-14PTS) in 19 games. Her 14 points were the fifth most by any U18 defenseman. Wanczuk also got in 18 games with Janow’s men’s u16 squad.  

18 – Julia Skręt (F), 19, Södertälje SK, (12, -6)

Skręt played in Sweden for Södertälje SK for a third straight year, setting a few new career highs. Across the NDHL and HockeyAllsvenskan, she scored three goals and assisted on two in 32 games. She also appeared in 18 games at the Swedish top junior level, finding a bit more production with nine points (6G-3A-9PTS) in 18 games. With a good shot and size and plenty of experience at a young age, Skręt is someone I see vying for the senior team later in her career if she continues to grow. 

17 – Milena Piasecka (D), 17, SMS Bytom, (17, +0)

Piasecka, a talented two-way defender, will be a key piece for the U18 squad in 2025. She had a big year across multiple clubs, getting in time with the Polonia Bytom men’s u16 team, an EWHL debut with Silesian Metropolis, and being a top-four defenseman for both SMS and Polonia Bytom in the TLHK. Her 31 points (21G-10A-31PTS) in 19 games were tied for 16th among all skaters in points. She was at her best on the international stage and had a huge D1B U18 World Championship, especially against Australia. There, she scored a goal and assisted three while serving as the assistant captain for Poland. It is a crowded defense for Poland right now, but Piasecka should be knocking on the door of the senior team. 

16 – Julia Lapinska (F), 19, Stoczniowiec Gdansk, (15, -1)

Lapinska played a much more significant role for Gdansk in 2024. She again showed how much of an impact forward she is with 28 points (19G-9A-28PTS) in only nine games. Her 28 points were the 17th most by any skater during the regular season. She also made her debut for Silesian Metropolis, appearing in four matches. Lapinska represented the senior team in 2022 but has since been passed over for other young forwards. It’s a crowded room right now, but I hope to see her and her ability to finish at the IIHF level again. 

15 – Justyna Żyła (F), 19, Team Uppsala HC, (8, -7)

Żyła spent a second straight year in Sweden but moved from Almtuna IS to Team Uppsala HC. With the move, she got in many more games and found results with 13 points (7G-6A-13PTS) in 24 matches. She also scored four goals in a short five-game stint at the junior level. The former U18 captain is just outside the level needed for the senior national team. She will return to Poland to play with Janow for the 2025 season, which may get her back into the senior squad consideration. 

14 – Alicja Mota (F), 20, Silesian Metropolis, (28, +14)

In her final year on the rankings, Mota played sparingly but made an impact when she did. The first half of her season was with Silesian Metropolis in the EWHL. In seven games, she posted 4 points (2G-2A-4PTS). She would return to the TLHK with the rest of Polonia Bytom for the playoffs, where she scored three goals and assisted on one in six games. A skilled forward, Mota should continue to be a part of Silesian Metropolis and the senior national team.

13 – Lena Zieba (F), 18, SMS Bytom, (13, +0)

There are certain games where you can see how high the ceiling is for a player, and Zieba played one of those games against Chinse Taipei at the U18s. She finished with four goals, an assist, and 14 shots on goal, genuinely taking over the game. She showed flashes for the rest of the tournament. But in the other four games, she scored one goal on another 14 shots. Zieba can be a game-changing forward and should challenge for the senior squad in 2025. During her club season, she finished with 29 points (21G-8A-29PTS) in 21 games and made her EWHL debut playing in five games with  Silesian Metropolis. 

12 – Nikola Isztok (D), 17, SMS Bytom, (23, +11) 

Isztok is now a veteran of the U18 squad and made her third appearance for them in 2024. She picked up three assists in five games. She played some big minutes for Poland, and while struggling against Spain, she had a great tournament. Isztok will be expected to be a significant player at the 2025 event for her fourth appearance. Her club season shows what she can do as she recorded 33 points (19G-14A-33PTS) in 21 games with SMS and Polonia Bytom. She also continued to make appearances for Silesian Metropolis in the EWHL. 

11 – Patrycja Wójcik (D), 18, EHC Zunzgen-Sissach Damen, (7, -4) 

Wójcik played in Switzerland for a second year, taking on a more significant role with EHC Zunzgen-Sissach Damen. In 19 games across the Swiss B league, she recorded 12 points (5G-7A-12PTS) in 19 games. Her 12 points were 10th among all defensemen, while it was second among U18 defensemen. She also made her third appearance for the Polish U18 squad, where she was a key player in Poland’s win over Australia. Wójcik is a defenseman who plays well in both the offensive and defensive zones. I am surprised that since her senior debut at the 2022 World Championships, she hasn’t received any other callups to the senior national team.

Players #10-6

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