Stay up to date on all official signings as Ottawa builds its roster for the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
Ottawa currently has 17 players under contract including forwards Lexie Adzija, Emily Clark, Kristin Della Rovere, Becca Gilmore, Gabbie Hughes, Brianne Jenner, Kateřina Mrázová, Hayley Scamurra, and Daryl Watts, defenders Ashton Bell, Amanda Boulier, Zoe Boyd, Savannah Harmon, Jincy Roese, Aneta Tejralová, and goaltenders Sandra Abstreiter and Emerance Maschmeyer.
NOV. 9: SANDRA ABSTREITER (G) – ROUND 12, 68TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Abstreiter was a member of Germany’s National Women’s Team for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championships. She won three of her five starts in April’s top division tournament including one shutout and an overall save percentage of .929. The 25-year-old is a recent graduate of Providence College and started 33 games for the Friars in 2022-23. She posted a 19-10-4 record with a goals-against-average of 1.88, save percentage of .926, six shutouts, and was named a semifinalist for the NCAA Women’s Hockey Goalie of the Year award.
“Sandra is a younger player who has grown over the last few years. We are excited to see her compete against the best players in the world on a daily basis and watch her game grow.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I am beyond excited to sign my contract and join such a great team in Ottawa! I can’t wait to see where our journey is going and what we can accomplish together this year. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and get started.” – Sandra Abstreiter
NOV. 8: SAVANNAH HARMON (D) – ROUND 1, 5TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Harmon returns to the U.S. National Women’s Team to open the 2023-24 Rivalry Series against Canada. She won gold with Team USA at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship following silver medals in 2021 and 2022, and silver at the 2022 Olympics. The 28-year-old from Downers Grove, Illinois captained Clarkson University to back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2017 and 2018 and was named a First-Team All-American and Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award top-10 finalist her senior year. She turned pro in 2018-19 with the PHF’s Buffalo Beauts, then competed in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and 2022-23.
“We are thrilled to have Savannah join our team in Ottawa, and as our first ever draft pick, be a key member of our organization for the next three years. She is a complete hockey player and will be an incredible asset for our team. We also strongly believe she will be a great role model and leader for our younger players.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I’m honoured and excited to be joining PWHL Ottawa for the next three seasons. I can’t wait to get training camp started with our group and for the first game in the nation’s capital!” – Savannah Harmon
NOV. 7: KATEŘINA MRÁZOVÁ (F) – ROUND 8, 44TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Mrázová has been a fixture on the Czech National Team, like her fellow signee Aneta Tejralová, competing in the 2022 Olympics and six top division IIHF Women’s World Championships. The 31-year-old was integral to the country’s historic back-to-back bronze medals, tying for second in team scoring at the 2023 tournament. After graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2018, her pro career includes three SDHL and two PHF campaigns. She had 17 points in 19 games for the Connecticut Whale in 2022-23 and has 35 points in seven games to start this year with Sweden’s Division 1 Färjestad BK.
“Katerina is a hard working, determined center who competes for every puck. She has a 200-foot game and is a player every winning team needs.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I am so excited to have signed with the Ottawa team. I will be living in Canada for the first time and really looking forward to it, especially in a city like Ottawa. Can’t wait to meet everyone and start the season.” – Katerina Mrázová
NOV. 7: ANETA TEJRALOVÁ (D) – ROUND 7, 41ST OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Tejralová has been competing internationally with her native Czechia since she was 15 and counts the 2022 Olympics and seven IIHF Women’s World Championships among the highlights. She notably helped her country win its first two bronze medals back-to-back in the top division tournament and was named Player of the Game with two assists in April’s third place victory. The 27-year-old played with fellow signee Becca Gilmore last season on the PHF’s Boston Pride and recorded nine points in 24 games. She’s spent the first part of this season with MoDo Hockey of the SDHL and has eight points through 13 games.
“Aneta is captain of the Czech National Team, and her leadership will be incredibly valuable for our team. She is not as well known here in North America, but we strongly believe she is one of the best defenders in the world.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I’m so excited to join the team!” – Aneta Tejralová
NOV. 6: BECCA GILMORE (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Gilmore is the first undrafted free agent to sign across the PWHL and will enter Training Camp fresh from Rivalry Series competition with the U.S. National Women’s Team. The 25-year-old from Wayland, Massachusetts won gold with Team USA in her first IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2023 and was a three-time U18 team member from 2014-16 winning silver and back-to-back gold. She led Harvard University in scoring and was named Ivy League Player of the Year during her final NCAA season in 2021-22, then joined the PHF’s Boston Pride last year and recorded six points in 11 regular season games.
“A player with incredible speed that can create offence and score. She wants the puck in important moments, and we are excited to have her on our team.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to sign in Ottawa. The resources the team had in place from day one, from the coaches to the players they selected in the draft, makes me feel like Ottawa is a good fit. I know the city is passionate about hockey and it’s going to be a fun place to play alongside a great group of women.” – Becca Gilmore
NOV. 3: AMANDA BOULIER (D) – ROUND 13, 77TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Boulier is one of the best defenders in PHF history and ranks tenth in all-time scoring and second at her position with 67 points in 94 career games. She split six seasons between the Connecticut Whale (2017-18), Minnesota Whitecaps (2018-21, 2022-23), Boston Pride (2021-22), and is a two-time Isobel Cup champion (2019 and 2022). The 30-year-old from Watertown, Connecticut attended St. Lawrence University where she captained the Saints as a senior. Before college, she represented her country at the 2011 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and brought home a silver medal.
“Amanda is an offensive player who will help us this season on the power play. She is an incredible teammate who will block shots and do whatever it takes to help a team win.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I am thrilled and honoured to join such a first-class organization in Ottawa and take part in the inaugural PWHL season. I am excited to get to work in the nation’s capital in the coming weeks.” – Amanda Boulier
NOV. 2: KRISTIN DELLA ROVERE (F) – ROUND 10, 56TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Della Rovere wore the ‘C’ for the Harvard University Crimson during the 2022-23 campaign, wrapping up her five-year tenure that included four years of competition with the NCAA program. She ended the regular season as the NCAA leader with 529 face-off wins and reached the 20-point plateau for the fourth time. Her best offensive season was in 2021-22 with 40 points which led to ECAC Hockey First-Team All-League and All-Ivy First Team recognition. The 22-year-old from Caledon East, Ontario reunites with fellow signee Zoe Boyd, her childhood best friend.
“Kristin is a young player that we are incredibly excited about. Her speed and playmaking ability will be a tremendous asset for us, and we look forward to watching her game continue to develop.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of playing professional hockey. To have the opportunity to play for my nation’s capital is something I will forever be grateful for. I cannot thank those who have helped me get here enough. I’m beyond excited to get the season started and to make Ottawa proud!” – Kristin Della Rovere
NOV. 2: DARYL WATTS (F) – ROUND 6, 32ND OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Watts burst onto the pro scene when she signed with the PHF’s Toronto Six midway through last season. The 24-year-old scored seven points in 12 regular season games then helped her hometown team bring the Isobel Cup to Canada for the first time. She earned back-to-back U18 silver medals before embarking on an illustrious collegiate career between Boston College and the University of Wisconsin. With the Eagles, she became the first freshman to ever win the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, then won a National Championship with the Badgers in 2021. Her 297 points rank second in all-time NCAA scoring.
“We are excited to have Daryl join our team. Her offensive talents are undoubtedly some of the best in this league and the fans in Ottawa are going to be excited to watch her in action.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Ottawa. I can already tell it’s such a special, talented group of players and staff. I can’t wait to finally get on the ice with my new teammates and start working towards a trophy!” – Daryl Watts
NOV. 1: ASHTON BELL (D) – ROUND 2, 8TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bell just had the best offensive season of her NCAA career on the University of Minnesota-Duluth blue line where she recorded 33 points and earned her third All-WCHA First Team selection. She joined the Bulldogs as a forward but converted to defence as a junior and won WCHA Defender of the Year as a senior. She served the 2022-23 campaign as co-captain with fellow graduate and recent signee Gabbie Hughes. The 23-year-old from Deloraine, Manitoba represented Canada and won gold at the 2022 Olympics and back-to-back gold at the 2021 and 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championships.
“We are thrilled to have Ashton join our team in Ottawa and be a key member of our defensive group and our organization. Her skating and offensive potential are incredibly exciting.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I am honoured and extremely grateful to have signed my first professional contract with PWHL Ottawa. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the inaugural PWHL season, and every trailblazer who has paved the way for women’s hockey. I can’t wait for the team to get together and to start off the season. See you soon Ottawa fans!” – Ashton Bell
NOV. 1: HAYLEY SCAMURRA (F) – ROUND 5, 29TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Scamurra has been a member of the U.S. National Women’s Team since 2019, notably earning silver in the 2022 Olympics and collecting four medals competing at the IIHF Women’s World Championships including two gold and two silver. The 28-year-old from Buffalo, New York turned pro immediately upon graduation from Northeastern University. She joined the PHF’s Buffalo Beauts in time for their 2017 playoff run and helped win the Isobel Cup, then returned to earn Newcomer of the Year in 2018 and was the league’s Top Scorer in 2019. She competed as a member of the PWHPA from 2019-21, and 2022-23.
“Hayley is one of the most tenacious, hardest working players in the league. She will set an example for our team on how we want to compete every night. Opponents do not like playing against her and that is a compliment!” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I’m so honored and excited to be joining the Ottawa organization! I can’t wait to get this season started and to meet the passionate fans of Ottawa!” – Hayley Scamurra
OCT. 31: ZOE BOYD (D) – ROUND 9, 53RD OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Boyd spent the past five seasons patrolling the blue line at Quinnipiac University. She served as co-captain in 2022-23 alongside fellow Ottawa signee Lexie Adzija and was the recipient of the Bobcats Coaches’ Award for instilling strong leadership foundations. The 23-year-old from Caledon East, Ontario is coming off her best offensive season with 14 points in 27 games after being named to the ECAC Third Team All-League in 2021-22. She also served as an alternate captain and won bronze with Canada at the 2018 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
“Zoe is an incredibly well-rounded player who helps on both ends of the ice. She is relatively young in her career, and we are excited to see her continue to grow this season.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“Getting drafted by PWHL Ottawa has been the highlight of my career. To say I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and everyone who has helped me along the way is an understatement. Being from Ontario, I have always dreamed of playing professionally in the province. I am so excited for the season to start and to make Ottawa’s great fans proud. See you soon, O-town!” – Zoe Boyd
OCT. 30: GABBIE HUGHES (F) – ROUND 4, 20TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Hughes captured gold at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship in her first senior appearance with the U.S. National Women’s Team. She had previously represented her country at the U22 and U18 levels, including gold at the 2017 U18 Worlds. The 24-year-old from Lino Lakes, MN spent the last five seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where she put together one of the most prolific careers in Bulldog history. She graduated fifth all-time in program scoring, third in assists, was a top-3 finalist for the 2022 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, and named the 2023 recipient of the Hockey Humanitarian Award.
“Gabbie is one of the great young players in this league and we are excited to watch her game grow to new heights in Ottawa. We believe she has a strong chance to be one of the best forwards in the league this year.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“Hearing my name get called by PWHL Ottawa was a dream come true for me and my family. It was such a special moment! I couldn’t be more excited to start my professional career in Canada’s capital city, and I can’t wait to meet Ottawa’s many great fans.” – Gabrielle Hughes
OCT. 27: JINCY ROESE (D) – ROUND 3, 17TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Roese has a trio of silver medals as a member of the U.S. National Women’s Team that competed at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, as well as the 2021 and 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championships. She also represented her country three times at the U18 level earning two silver and one gold medal in 2013-15 tournaments. The 26-year-old from O’Fallon, MO played two PWHPA campaigns after attending The Ohio State University where she was a two-year captain of the Buckeyes, two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, and 2020 Ohio State Female Athlete of the Year among her many accolades.
“We are thrilled to have Jincy join us in Ottawa. Her experience will be an incredible asset for our defensive corps, and we believe she will be a great role model and leader for our younger players.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“I’m incredibly honored to be signing with Ottawa! I’ve heard great things about the city and know the organization has great leadership within it too. I can’t wait to get started. This is a dream come true!” – Jincy Roese
OCT. 26: LEXIE ADZIJA (F) – ROUND 11, 65TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Adzija spent the last five seasons at Quinnipiac University where she amassed 109 points in 151 career NCAA games. She served as Bobcats captain during the 2022-23 campaign, and in 2022 was named the Mandi Schwartz Scholar-Athlete of the Year in recognition of the ECAC player who embodies excellence and leadership on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community. The 23-year-old from St. Thomas, ON won bronze with Canada’s U18 team in 2018, and attended Canada’s National Women’s Team camp in September.
“Lexie is a younger player who is emerging on the Canadian national level. She is a physical player who wins faceoffs and will really help us on the penalty kill. A true power forward that other teams will hate playing against.” – Mike Hirshfeld, General Manager
“Growing up I never thought it would be a possibility to play professionally, so words cannot explain how excited and grateful I am to have signed my first pro contract in Ottawa. It is definitely a city that loves hockey! I can’t wait to meet all of the fans, give back to the community, and help showcase our amazing and skilled game. I’m counting down the days until the start of the season!” – Lexie Adzija
SEPT. 5: EMILY CLARK (F), BRIANNE JENNER (F), EMERANCE MASCHMEYER (G)
Final team rosters must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.