Anne Cherkowski Signs With PWHL San Jose

On June 6 PWHL San Jose added Anne Cherkowski to the roster, a promising 23-year-old forward. Cherkowski joins San Jose with a two-year deal, bringing speed, playmaking, and championship-level compete to the growing team.

Developing into an Elite Prospect

Born in Coldstream, British Columbia, Cherkowski established herself as a vital right-shot forward scorer in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). With the Pursuit of Excellence Academy, she had a standout 2017-18 season, logging 28 goals and 23 assists in 20 games. As a teenager, in four seasons in the CSSHL Cherkowski earned 142 points in 72 games played, averaging about two points per game.

Success with Clarkson University and Team Canada

On the international stage, Cherkowski represented Canada's U18 National Team in back-to-back appearances for the IIHF Women's World Championships. In five games, she contributed two goals and one assist, helping the team capture gold in 2018-19. In 2019-20, Team Canada won silver, where Cherkowski added three points in five games.

At 5'6", the former star of Clarkson University arrives in San Jose with a five-season NCAA resume. Transferring from the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers, Cherkowski became one of Clarkson's most reliable offensive drivers.

Her breakout 2022-23 campaign showcased this success, amassing 23 goals, 29 assists, and 52 points in 40 games. This was followed by 34 points in 40 games the following season and 45 points in 40 games in 2024-25. Her successful performance earned her a spot on the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) First All-Star Team.

Entering Professional Ranks

Cherkowski's ascendance continued into the PWHL, where she was selected 9th overall in the second round of the 2025 Draft by the New York Sirens. While her rookie season presented seven assists, two goals, and a -11 plus-minus rating in 28 games, Cherkowski enters the next season with professional experience.

Cherkowski arrives to San Jose with a high-ceiling and entering her prime. With a championship record, elite scoring, and proven ability, Cherkowski may soon be positioned to take on a larger role and emerge as one of the league's many exciting talents.