PWHL Seattle, Vancouver Reshape League Following Expansion Draft
Vancouver takes defender Ashton Bell first overall
The PWHL is another step closer to its third season following the completion of the Exclusive Signing Window and Expansion Draft for the new franchises in Seattle and Vancouver.
By the end of the night, it was clear that the two new teams would be legitimate contenders — even before playing a single game.
Based on the star power added in the Exclusive Signing Window and the additional talent added during the Expansion Draft, both Seattle and Vancouver will be able to compete alongside the inaugural six franchises.
The league wanted to ensure Seattle and Vancouver would have a fighting chance against the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Ottawa Charge, Montreal Victoire, Toronto Sceptres, and New York Sirens. Not only do they have a fighting chance, but Seattle and Vancouver basically formed two super teams at the expense of the original six.
Seattle’s initial 12-player roster features a mix of veteran leadership after signing former Fleet captain Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter, and emerging young talent, with four of six players selected in the first round of last year's draft: Boston's Hannah Bilka, Ottawa’s Danielle Serdachny, Montreal’s Cayla Barnes, and Toronto's Julia Gosling.
Vancouver looked to build its blue line by opening the draft by choosing Ottawa defenseman Ashton Bell with the No. 1 pick. Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey added Sydney Bard from the Fleet after signing Walter Cup champion defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques.
Here’s how the two franchises look following the expansion roster building process.
SEATTLE
Forwards: Hannah Bilka, Jessie Eldridge, Julia Gosling, Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight, Danielle Serdachny
Defenders: Aneta Tejrolvá, Anna Wilgren, Megan Carter, Emily Brown, Cayla Barnes
Goaltenders: Corinne Schroeder
VANCOUVER
Forwards: Brooke McQuigge, Abby Boreen, Izzy Daniel, Gabby Rosenthal, Denisa Křížová, Jenn Gardiner, Sarah Nurse
Defenders: Ashton Bell, Sydney Bard, Sophie Jaques, Claire Thompson
Goaltenders: Emerance Maschmeyer
All eight teams will participate in the 2025 Entry Draft on June 24. The Sirens have the first overall pick, and the remaining order has not yet been determined.