Claire Thompson, a rookie defenseman for the Minnesota Frost, quickly earned the nickname “The Human ChatGPT” from her teammates due to her remarkable ability to dissect tactical plays and her offensive skills. Grace Zumwinkle highlighted this, followed by Taylor Heise, who shared how they rely on Thompson for summarizing the team’s strategies during meetings. “She’s incredibly cognitive; there’s so much happening in her mind,” Heise remarked, adding to the admiration for the player.

At 26, Thompson stands out as an atypical rookie poised to make her PWHL debut this Sunday, when the reigning-champion Frost host a game against New York. After dedicating the previous year to her medical studies at NYU, the Princeton alumna is shifting gears from medicine to hockey, reigniting her already accomplished athletic career. While at Princeton, she garnered impressive stats, finishing fifth among the Tigers’ all-time defensemen with 87 points (31 goals) over 129 games, also receiving numerous commendations for both her athletic and academic achievements. Her prowess was further showcased at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she played a pivotal role in Canada’s gold medal win, setting a new tournament record for defensemen with two goals and 11 assists.

Thompson’s return to hockey aligns with the Olympic timeline, as she aims to secure a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics in Italy. Drafted third overall by Minnesota in June, she has rejoined Team Canada, contributing an assist in three Rivalry Series games against the U.S. Reflecting on her comeback, Thompson said, “There are always what-ifs lingering in the back of your mind, but I’m grateful to have pushed those aside.” She expressed her excitement about being back on the ice and reveling in the team dynamics that come with working towards common goals.

Despite her transition back into hockey, Thompson continues to remain engaged with her medical studies, taking on as many projects as she can manage during her free time. She doesn’t view her passion for medicine and hockey as conflicting but rather complementary interests necessary for her well-being. “I’ve stayed closely connected with many of my med school classmates and enjoy hearing about their experiences,” she shared, illustrating how she appreciates the balance between both worlds.

For her teammates, particularly the Minnesota captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, meeting Thompson presents a new challenge in managing various commitments. Coyne Schofield noted how much she juggles already as a mother and athlete, acknowledging Thompson’s remarkable lifestyle. “I’ve been fortunate enough to room with her and ask her a multitude of questions,” she mentioned, expressing her curiosity about Thompson’s insights, particularly her playmaking abilities that recently impressed on the ice during the Rivalry Series.

Thompson becomes part of a skilled defensive lineup for the Frost, including experienced players like Lee Stecklein, Natalie Buchbinder, and Canadian standout Sophie Jaques. Her analytical capabilities are complemented by her fearless style, which has been championed by Canada’s national team coach, Troy Ryan. He recalled how Thompson’s tendency toward high-risk plays set her apart during her earlier career stages. “I believe that was a reason she wasn’t initially recognized by the under-18 national team, but I encouraged her to embrace that risk-taking nature,” he said, expressing admiration for Thompson’s unique persona and talents.

Thompson is interested in specializing in orthopedic surgery. She completed clerkships in various medical fields, including pediatrics and neurology, while also balancing practice sessions with the NYU men’s club team. Currently, her focus is primarily on hockey, although she wishes she could split her time equally, stating, “I love being involved in both, but it’s challenging when I can’t be in two places at once.”

With her youth and evident capacity to compete at a high level in hockey, Thompson remains conscious that such opportunities may not last forever. “I’m aware that my hockey career won’t go on indefinitely, but I have a solid backup plan in medicine to pursue when that day comes,” she acknowledged, blending her passion for both disciplines as she prepares for the upcoming season.