Less than twenty-one days after the Montreal Victoire clinched the franchise’s inaugural Walter Cup, teams in the PWHL have experienced significant changes. Four new expansion franchises in Hamilton, Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Jose have inked deals with five players each in the past week, marking the beginning of the league’s 12-team phase.
These signings have laid the groundwork for the new teams and brought about substantial transformations in the composition of many existing teams in the league. As the league embarks on the third phase of expansion, set to commence on Wednesday afternoon, all teams are looking to address gaps in their rosters. Expansion teams have the opportunity to sign up to three additional players, while existing teams can protect three more.
Let’s delve into the initial roster configurations of the four new PWHL teams and insights gained from the first five signings:
**PWHL Hamilton:**
Players signed: Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, Alina Müller, Nicole Gosling, Kayle Osborne
Hamilton’s General Manager, Meghan Duggan, appears to be assembling a team mirroring the pace and tenacity of last season’s Boston Fleet, led by Head Coach Kris Sparre. The team boasts former Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner, known for her consistent performance and leadership both on and off the ice. Alongside Jenner is Emily Clark, a versatile player adept at penalty killing and team culture-building. Alina Müller, the Swiss star, brings her experience leading her country to an Olympic bronze medal. On the defensive front, Nicole Gosling, a former Montreal Victoire defender, and goaltender Kayle Osborne offer strong foundations for Hamilton’s future success.
**PWHL Detroit:**
Players signed: Daryl Watts, Hannah Bilka, Jesse Compher, Britta Curl-Salemme, Cayla Barnes
Detroit secured the top free agent in Daryl Watts, a prolific goal-scorer. Watts, opting for a lucrative four-year deal with Detroit, will spearhead the team’s offense. Joined by Hannah Bilka, a key player in the recent American Olympic gold-winning team, and power forwards Jesse Compher and Britta Curl-Salemme, Detroit’s frontline looks promising. The addition of Cayla Barnes, an adept offensive defender, further strengthens the team. Additionally, the potential acquisition of Hilary Knight from Las Vegas could bolster Detroit’s offensive prowess.
**PWHL San Jose:**
Players signed: Kristin O’Neill, Anne Cherkowski, Maddi Wheeler, Rory Guilday, Corinne Schroeder
San Jose pinned its hopes on Kristin O’Neill, a gritty forward known for her tenacity and faceoff skills. GM and Head Coach Troy Ryan believes in O’Neill’s potential for growth and sees her taking on a more offensive role. Accompanying O’Neill are Anne Cherkowski and Maddi Wheeler, young talents from New York, who are expected to assume more significant offensive responsibilities. The addition of goaltender Corinne Schroeder and defender Rory Guilday further fortifies San Jose’s lineup.
**PWHL Las Vegas:**
Players signed: Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra, Erin Ambrose, Mae Batherson, Kendall Cooper
Las Vegas has built a solid defensive core with Erin Ambrose, a seasoned defender known for her leadership and tactical prowess. The team also features Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper, promising young defenders. Forward Hayley Scamurra adds versatility and offensive capabilities to the roster. The potential acquisition of Hilary Knight from Seattle, pending a trade with Detroit, could significantly boost Las Vegas’s scoring potential. Las Vegas aims for excellence and success, drawing on the winning experience of its roster.
These initial signings set the stage for an exciting and competitive season in the PWHL as the league ushers in a new era with expanded teams and reshaped rosters.