The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s newest franchise in Las Vegas has taken a decisive step toward its debut by announcing the signing of two seasoned defenders, Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper, to two‑year contracts.
A Strategic Reinforcement for the Expansion Club
Both players arrive after a combined 34 appearances for the Minnesota Frost during the 2025‑26 campaign, where Batherson contributed 15 points and Cooper added 19, helping the team to a competitive finish.
Batherson, a native of New Minas, Nova Scotia, brings a blend of size and offensive awareness, while Cooper, hailing from Oakville, Ontario, offers defensive reliability and a knack for generating offense from the blue line.
Their arrivals mark the first two of five additions the league plans to distribute across its four expansion clubs as part of Phase 2 of the roster allocation process, a move designed to accelerate competitiveness across the circuit.
The Las Vegas franchise, officially unveiled on May 13 and slated to begin play at the iconic T‑Mobile Arena this fall, joins a growing list of twelve teams that have already begun reshaping the landscape of women’s professional hockey since the league’s inaugural season kicked off in January 2024.
Team executives said the signings reflect a commitment to building a roster that can contend from day one, leveraging the experience of players who have already proven themselves on the international stage.
Fans can expect a high‑octane style of play as the new defensive pairings integrate with the club’s forward core, setting the stage for a compelling first season that promises to elevate the profile of the PWHL nationwide.