A Homecoming for a Macomb Native
The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Detroit franchise has secured forward Taylor Girard on a two‑year contract, a move that locks the Macomb County native into the roster for the 2026‑27 season. The agreement was confirmed ahead of the league’s expansion push, positioning Detroit as one of the most anticipated teams in the circuit.
Girard’s journey to the professional ranks began on the frozen ponds of Macomb County, where she honed her skills in the Honeybaked youth program before starring at Lindenwood University and Quinnipiac University. Her collegiate performance earned her the first overall pick in the 2021 PHF Draft, a milestone that was followed by Rookie of the Year honors.
In her most recent campaign, Girard posted a career‑best eight‑point stretch that included a hat trick, finishing the season with 17 points across 63 games for the New York Sirens and Boston Fleet. The forward’s blend of speed and playmaking has made her a coveted asset for the league’s growing roster of talent.
The signing also brings Girard back into the fold of familiar faces. She will reunite with former New York Sirens assistant coach Josh Sciba, now part of Detroit’s staff, and will share the locker room with former Boston Fleet teammates Sydney Bard and Hannah Bilka, both of whom have already committed to the expansion team.
Detroit’s roster building reflects the league’s Phase 3 protection rules, which allow each expansion club to safeguard up to six players while still fielding a maximum of eight contracted athletes. Girard joins a growing list that includes Cayla Barnes, Britta Curl‑Salomme, Jesse Compher and Daryl Watts, underscoring the depth of talent the franchise is assembling.
Beyond the on‑ice implications, Girard’s addition signals the PWHL’s commitment to regional roots. By anchoring a key player to her home state, the league hopes to inspire the next generation of girls in Michigan to envision a professional pathway that was once out of reach.