Hannah Bilka

Hannah Bilka Bio

Hannah Bilka (born March 24, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey player for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the United States women’s national ice hockey team. A native of Coppell, Texas, Bilka overcame the challenges of growing up in a non-traditional hockey market to become one of the top players in women’s hockey. Bilka played college ice hockey at Boston College for four seasons (2019–2023), where she was named the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year in 2020. She transferred to Ohio State University for her graduate season in 2023–24, where she led the team in scoring and helped the Buckeyes win the 2024 NCAA National Championship.

Early Life and Background

Hannah Bilka was born and raised in Coppell, Texas, to parents Dan and Patricia Bilka. She has three siblings: Christina, Stephanie, and Anthony. Inspired to play hockey by watching her older brother Anthony, who played Division III college hockey, Bilka developed a passion for the sport after witnessing the 2010 Winter Olympics. Growing up in Texas, a non-traditional hockey market, she faced significant challenges in pursuing her dreams. Limited opportunities for girls’ hockey in the area led her to play on boys’ teams alongside fellow Texas native Ally Simpson. At age 14, she left home to attend Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a boarding school in Faribault, Minnesota, known for its elite hockey program. While at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Bilka also played lacrosse and ultimate frisbee. She helped lead the Sabres to a Tier 1 U19 national championship in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2019. Bilka majored in communications at Boston College, where she was named to the National Honor Society and received multiple scholarships. During her time at Boston College, she worked as a statistician for the athletic communications office and later pursued a master’s degree in sport management at Ohio State University.

Path to Hockey

Hannah Bilka began her collegiate career for Boston College during the 2019–20 season. In her freshman year, she recorded 14 goals and 23 assists in 34 games, leading the team in points with 37. She ranked first among all rookies in the country in total points per game and was named to the Hockey East Second Team, the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and the USCHO All-Rookie Team. Her outstanding performance earned her the Hockey East Rookie of the Year and the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year awards. In her sophomore year, she recorded seven goals and nine assists in a season that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During her junior year, she recorded 16 goals and 17 assists in 34 games, leading to her selection to the Hockey East First Team and New England Hockey Writers Association All-Star. Bilka was named captain of the Eagles for the 2022–23 season, where she recorded 12 goals and 29 assists in 34 games. Following her impressive college career, she transferred to Ohio State University for the 2023–24 season, leading the team in points with 22 goals and 26 assists and contributing to their national championship victory.

Hannah Bilka Career

Early Career (2019–2023)

Hannah Bilka’s professional career began when she was drafted fourth overall by PWHL Boston in the 2024 PWHL draft. She signed a three-year contract with the team and recorded five goals and six assists in 16 games during the 2024–25 season before suffering an injury. Despite the setback, she demonstrated her offensive capabilities and was recognized as one of the team’s key rookies. On January 5, 2025, she recorded a goal and an assist in a game against the Montréal Victoire. On February 12, 2025, Bilka was placed on long-term injured reserve, ending her rookie season with Boston.

Breakthrough (2024–Present)

On June 9, 2025, Bilka was drafted third overall by the Seattle Torrent in the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft. This selection reunited her with former Boston Fleet captain Hilary Knight and marked a significant moment for the expansion franchise. Bilka made her Seattle Torrent debut on November 21, 2025, in the team’s first game against the Vancouver Goldeneyes, where she scored a goal late in the third period. On November 28, 2025, the Torrent played their inaugural home opener at Climate Pledge Arena, setting a new attendance record for a professional women’s hockey game in the United States. Bilka recorded her first multi-point game as a Torrent player on December 3, 2025, assisting on both power-play goals in a comeback victory over the New York Sirens. She continued to excel, recording a career-high three points in a game against the Ottawa Charge on December 17, 2025.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout her career, Hannah Bilka has achieved significant milestones, including being named the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year and contributing to her team’s success in various championships. She has also been recognized for her commitment to growing girls’ hockey in Texas, returning in the summers to work with youth programs and camps.

Hannah Bilka Award Nominations

Hannah Bilka has received several nominations throughout her career, reflecting her talent and impact on the sport of ice hockey.

Hannah Bilka Awards Won

Hannah Bilka has won notable awards, including the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year in 2020 and the Hockey East Rookie of the Year in the same year.