In the world of hockey, there are few players who can captivate the imagination quite like Chloe Primerano. A rising star in the women’s game, Primerano has quickly established herself as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects, showcasing a level of skill and talent that belies her age.
Just two years after transitioning from boys to girls hockey, Primerano has already emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Leading her team in scoring and claiming the title of Canadian Female Prep High School MVP in her debut 10th-grade season, she wasted no time in making her mark on the ice. And her performance at the 2024 U18 worlds only solidified her status as a standout player, where she not only led the tournament in scoring but also set a record for points by a defender and earned the titles of best defender and tournament MVP.
But Primerano’s journey was far from over. Faced with a decision that would shape the trajectory of her burgeoning career, the young phenom found herself at a crossroads. Would she return to RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, B.C., a renowned institution known for producing top talent, or would she take a leap of faith and graduate from high school early to start college at the ripe age of 17?
For Primerano, the choice was clear. Embracing the unconventional path laid out before her, she set her sights on a new challenge, one that would see her join the ranks of the NCAA. And with accolades like being voted the WCHA preseason rookie of the year by six out of eight conference coaches, Primerano’s potential was undeniable. Paired with American star Abbey Murphy, she was poised to lead Minnesota’s charge as the No. 2 team in the nation, eyeing a spot in the coveted Frozen Four.
As whispers of her talent spread across the hockey world, Primerano’s name became synonymous with excellence. Hailing from Western Canada, a hotbed of hockey prospects, she was destined to follow in the footsteps of greats like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. But for Primerano, the goal was clear: to carve out her own legacy and become one of the top defenders — and players — in the women’s game.
“She has that drive and ability to become one of the greats of the female game,” remarked Ryder Ritchie, a fellow hockey standout. “Now, whether she fulfills that potential, that’s going to be up to her.” And indeed, Primerano’s journey was just beginning.
Her story first made headlines in 2022 when she was drafted by the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, marking a historic moment as the first female skater ever selected in a Canadian Hockey League draft. Despite the honor, Primerano had her sights set on the NCAA, recognizing that for top female players, college hockey was the ultimate path to success.
Surrounded by elite talent since a young age, Primerano was no stranger to greatness. Growing up alongside players like Celebrini, she drew inspiration from their work ethic and dedication to the game. “It’s really easy to want to get better when you’re with him because of what he does on the ice,” she remarked, speaking of Celebrini’s impact on her own development.
As Primerano’s star continued to rise, the hockey world watched with bated breath, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in her remarkable story. With a bright future ahead and the promise of greatness on the horizon, Chloe Primerano was poised to become a true legend of the game, a trailblazer in women’s hockey destined for greatness.
