The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s newest franchise in Detroit has taken a decisive step toward its inaugural season by announcing the signing of ten players ahead of the upcoming draft. The still‑nameless club has assembled a roster that mixes collegiate standouts, international veterans and emerging talent, each bringing a distinct skill set that promises to shape the team’s identity from day one.
College scoring powerhouses
Among the signees, Daryl Watts arrives as the third‑all‑time leading scorer in league history, having netted 136 goals during her collegiate career. Her offensive prowess is complemented by Cayla Barnes, who contributed three assists in 30 games for Vancouver last season, and Hannah Bilka, whose two‑year deal follows stints at Boston College and Ohio State.
Jesse Compher, a three‑year signee with prior experience in Toronto, adds versatility, while Britta Curl‑Salemme, the former Wisconsin captain who set an NWHL record with 18 assists, brings leadership and playmaking. Sydney Bard, who recorded two assists in 30 games for Vancouver, and Shiann Darkangelo, a Montreal veteran whose brother plays for the Toronto Argonauts, round out the forward group.
Defensive depth is bolstered by Taylor Girard, who posted seven goals and eight points for New York last season, and Nina Joost‑Smith, a Minnesota Duluth alumna who contributed three assists in 20 games. The most celebrated name on the list is Hilary Knight, the University of Wisconsin’s all‑time scoring record holder with 143 career goals, whose presence signals the league’s intent to attract top talent.
A global mix of backgrounds
The signees hail from across North America and Europe, reflecting the league’s expanding reach. Their journeys span from the icy rinks of Canada to the collegiate arenas of the United States, and even to Italy, where Knight’s record‑setting career left a lasting imprint. Such diversity not only enriches the team’s chemistry but also aligns with the PWHL’s mission to showcase hockey as a truly international sport.