The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Detroit franchise announced today that forward Akane Shiga has agreed to a two‑year contract that runs through the 2027‑28 season, securing the services of the league’s first Japanese Olympian.
Shiga’s historic signing marks a new era for Detroit
Shiga’s arrival adds a global dimension to a team that will field 16 skaters for its inaugural 2026‑27 campaign, a roster that already includes her former Ottawa teammates Shiann Darkangelo and Daryl Watts, as well as a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
The 27‑year‑old forward brings a résumé that spans the SDHL with Luleå HF, where she finished second in team scoring during the 2025‑26 campaign, and a stint in the PWHL’s inaugural season with Ottawa, where she recorded two goals in 24 games. Internationally, Shiga tallied three points in four games at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and has amassed six appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championships.
A deepening roster ahead of the inaugural season
Detroit’s lineup will also feature forwards Hannah Bilka, Jesse Compher, Britta Curl‑Salemme, Taylor Girard, Hilary Knight and Olivia Wallin, while the defensive corps includes Sydney Bard, Cayla Barnes, Mia Biotti, Mellissa Channell‑Watkins, Nina Jobst‑Smith and Stephanie Markowski. Between the pipes, goaltender Alice Philbert is expected to guard the net.
The breadth of talent on the roster reflects the league’s intent to showcase the world’s best women’s players, a goal that aligns with the International Ice Hockey Federation’s ongoing efforts to grow the sport globally.
Detroit is slated to open its schedule at Little Caesars Arena this fall, marking the first time a professional women’s hockey team will debut in the historic venue. The league’s expansion to 12 teams reflects a growing appetite for women’s elite hockey in North America.
Fans eager to catch the action can place a time‑stamped deposit now to claim priority access to season tickets, a move that underscores the league’s ambition to build a sustainable fan base from the outset.