A New Era for Bay Area Women’s Hockey
San Jose’s professional women’s hockey expansion team has taken a decisive step toward its inaugural 2026‑27 season by signing five players, including veteran net‑minder Corinne Schroeder, forward Rory Guilday, forwards Maddi Wheeler, Kristin O’Neill, and Anne Cherkowski. The moves mark the second phase of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s expansion team‑building process and set the stage for a roster that blends proven experience with emerging talent.
General manager and head coach Troy Ryan, who has guided the franchise from its conceptual stage, described the signings as the foundation of a culture he hopes will resonate with the Bay Area community. Ryan, who previously coached several of the new players with Team Canada or faced them with the U.S. national team, emphasized that the club is actively seeking additional scoring depth and a shutdown defender to complement the current group.
Among the newcomers, Kristin O’Neill is recognized as one of the league’s premier two‑way players, though she will be expected to add more offensive production to her already strong defensive contributions. Maddi Wheeler is viewed as a candidate for a breakout offensive campaign, while Anne Cherkowski, who logged an average of 18 minutes and 41 seconds of ice time last season and netted just two goals, could see her role expand with increased minutes.
The team will convene for a training camp in November, a milestone that will bring the players together before the first regular‑season games. Ryan noted that the Bay Area’s demonstrated support for women’s sports has been a source of encouragement for the athletes, who are eager to translate that enthusiasm into on‑ice performance.
With the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s expansion agenda underway, the San Jose franchise joins a growing list of markets investing in elite women’s hockey. The organization’s commitment to community engagement and competitive play reflects a broader ambition to elevate the sport’s profile across North America.