In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, Chuck sits down with PWHL Walter Cup Champion Skylar Irving to discuss her journey from backyard rinks in Kingston, Massachusetts, to the top of professional women's hockey. Skylar reflects on how free play and a genuine love for the game shaped her development, while sharing insights into the team-first culture that helped the Montreal Victoire capture the Walter Cup. She opens up about the importance of mental health, why she chose to publicly share her own experiences, and the powerful impact of asking for help. Skylar also discusses the growth of the PWHL, her experiences navigating the draft process, and her role as a mentor to young athletes. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that player development is unique to each individual and reminds listeners that progress is rarely linear. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on resilience, teamwork, leadership, and finding success both on and off the ice.
Bio
Skylar Irving is one of the rising stars in professional women's hockey and a member of the Walter Cup Champion Montreal Victoire of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
A native of Kingston, Massachusetts, Irving's passion for hockey began almost as soon as she could walk. Growing up skating on a front-yard rink built by her father, she developed a lifelong love for the game that continues to drive her success today. Known as a skilled power forward with a goal-scorer's mentality, Irving's relentless work ethic and commitment to improvement helped her rise through the Massachusetts hockey ranks before starring at Northeastern University.
During her standout collegiate career with the Northeastern Huskies, Irving earned numerous accolades, including Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors in 2021-22, three selections to the Hockey East All-Academic Team, Hockey East Third Team All-Star recognition in 2023-24, Hockey East Second Team All-Star honors in 2024-25, and New England Division I All-Star honors in 2024-25. She also played a pivotal role in Northeastern's championship success, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Tournament Team in 2025.
One of the defining moments of Irving's collegiate career came during the 2025 Beanpot Championship, where she scored both Northeastern goals in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Boston University. Her performance earned her Beanpot MVP honors, cementing her place among the most impactful players in the tournament's storied history.
Selected 20th overall by Montreal in the 2025 PWHL Draft, Irving quickly transitioned to the professional game and helped the Victoire capture the Walter Cup during her rookie season. While adapting to the challenges of professional hockey, she has remained grounded in the mindset that fueled her journey from a young hockey enthusiast shooting pucks in her backyard to competing against the best players in the world.
Known for her love of the game, humility, and commitment to continuous growth, Irving enters the next chapter of her career focused on establishing herself as an impact player, goal scorer, and leader in the PWHL while continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Takeaways:
- The essence of team camaraderie and mutual support is crucial in achieving success, as illustrated by Skyler's experiences during her championship season.
- Skyler's journey underscores the importance of nurturing a genuine passion for the sport, which fosters resilience and a desire to excel.
- The evolution of women's hockey, particularly the establishment of the PWHL, offers young athletes tangible role models and aspirations to pursue their dreams.
- Skyler emphasizes the significance of mental health awareness in athletics, advocating for open conversations and support within the sports community.
- The transition from NCAA to professional hockey presents challenges, particularly regarding mental resilience and self-confidence amidst competition.
- Skyler's experiences in youth hockey highlight how supportive environments contribute to the development of aspiring athletes, reinforcing the necessity of genuine encouragement.
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