Stay up to date on all official signings as New York builds its roster for the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
New York currently has 17 players under contract including forwards Chloé Aurard, Alex Carpenter, Jade Downie-Landry, Jessie Eldridge, Élizabeth Giguère, Alexandra Labelle, Paetyn Levis, Savannah Norcross, Abby Roque, Kayla Vespa, Emma Woods, and defenders Jaime Bourbonnais, Brooke Hobson, Ella Shelton, Olivia Zafuto, Micah Zandee-Hart, and goaltender Abbey Levy.
DEC. 6: SAVANNAH NORCROSS (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Norcross turns pro after five NCAA seasons split between Boston College and the University of Minnesota. She annually improved her point total as a three-year member of the Eagles, capped by a 21-point campaign as a junior in 2020-21 that included 12 goals in 20 games. She scored 10 goals and a career-high 28 points in 39 games with the Gophers in 2021-22, followed by eight points in 35 games during her graduate season in 2022-23. The 23-year-old from Lynn, Massachusetts got her first taste of U.S. National Women’s Team experience at the 2021 USA Hockey Fall Festival.
“Thrilled to confirm the signing of Savannah Norcross, a player who brings speed, intensity, and both puck and puck-less ferocity. She has a DNA that fans will witness throughout the entire 60 minutes.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I am beyond grateful and honored to be a part of this first season with PWHL New York. What a dream come true it is to have signed my first professional contract with this franchise. This group is special and I can’t wait to get things going!” – Savannah Norcross
NOV. 20: JAIME BOURBONNAIS (D) – ROUND 2, 9TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bourbonnais suited up for Canada’s National Women’s Team at this month’s Rivalry Series. She also has experience with Team Canada at three IIHF Women’s World Championships earning gold (2021), silver (2023), and bronze (2019) medals. The 25-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario spent the last three years competing as a member of the PWHPA and tied for third in scoring among blue liners during the 2022-23 campaign. Among her senior year accolades at Cornell University include First-Team All-America honors, First-Team All-USCHO, ECAC Hockey Best Defender, and top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist.
“With Jaime Bourbonnais, her talent, experience, and success on the international stage undoubtedly makes her a cornerstone of our defensive brigade. We’re thrilled to introduce her to our fans for the years to come.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“It’s truly a dream come true to have signed my first professional contract with New York, and to be a part of the inaugural PWHL season. I can’t wait to get on the ice with the team and start building towards a championship!” – Jaime Bourbonnais
NOV. 14: CHLOÉ AURARD (F) – ROUND 4, 21ST OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Aurard has represented France in international competition every season since 2013, including the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship where she was an alternate captain. She’s won silver and gold at the U18 level in D1 tournaments, and four medals at the senior level in D1A action including gold in 2018 and 2022. The 24-year-old is a recent Northeastern University graduate who scored a career-high 54 points in 38 games in 2022-23 and ranks fourth all-time in program history with 204 points in 167 games played. She played four years with fellow signee Brooke Hobson and was a five-time Hockey East All-Star.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chloé Aurard. An attacker known for her intensity and energy, fans will surely appreciate her relentless effort across all 17,000 square feet of the ice and an even greater teammate.” — Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“Hearing my name get called by PWHL New York was the highlight of my career. As a little girl, I always dreamed of playing professional hockey, and I could not have picked a better place or team to join. I am so thankful to my friends, family, coaches, and managers, and I can’t wait for the puck to drop! Go New York!” —Chloé Aurard
NOV. 10: OLIVIA ZAFUTO (D) – ROUND 12, 69TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Zafuto patrolled the blue line last season with the PHF’s Boston Pride as a teammate of fellow signee Élizabeth Giguère and produced 10 points in 22 games. The 26-year-old from Niagara Falls, New York also developed her game over three pro seasons split between the PWHPA and SDHL from 2019-22. Her NCAA career was spent at Colgate University where she played with Jessie Eldridge. She earned ECAC Hockey All-Conference Second Team honors her senior year and remains the highest scoring defender in Raiders program history.
“Returning to her Tri-State region, Olivia is set to bolster our already formidable defensive brigade. Her versatility, reliability, and efficiency are assets we highly value, and we are confident she will make a significant impact on our team.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I’m super excited to sign with New York and play in front of a new fan base in the inaugural PWHL season. I cannot wait to meet my teammates and staff and get working towards bringing home a championship!” – Olivia Zafuto
NOV. 9: ALEXANDRA LABELLE (F) – ROUND 15, 88TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Labelle played last season alongside fellow signee Jade Downie-Landry on the Montreal Force. She finished third in team scoring with 13 points in 24 games and produced the team’s best face-off efficiency with a .548 winning percentage. Prior to the PHF, the 27-year-old from Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, Quebec had two years of professional experience competing as a member of the PWHPA. She won U18 gold with Canada in 2014, then spent her U SPORTS career at the University of Montreal between 2015-20 and helped the Carabins capture a National Championship her first season.
“We are excited to announce the signing of Alexandra Labelle, a versatile player capable of performing in various positions, including center. Her professional experience and continuous personal growth throughout her career have elevated her game, making her a valuable asset in crucial moments.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I am really excited to start the season with New York! Looking forward to meeting all my new teammates and sharing my passion for the game.” – Alexandra Labelle
NOV. 8: ABBEY LEVY (G) – ROUND 11, 64TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Levy won gold in her first event representing the U.S. National Women’s Team at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, and will wear the red, white, and blue again for the first two games of the 2023-24 Rivalry Series against Canada. The towering 6-foot-1, 23-year-old from Congers, New York played two NCAA seasons at Minnesota State followed by three at Boston College. She set an Eagles single season record with a .947 save percentage in 2022-23 and was a Hockey East Second Team All-Star and National Goalie of the Year Award semifinalist.
“We proudly welcome Abbey, a young goaltender with an exceptional track record, including a gold medal at the World Championships. She proudly wore the ‘A’ at the university level, and her tenacity makes her a formidable presence. Making our players better is unparalleled, even in training sessions.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
NOV. 8: PAETYN LEVIS (F) – ROUND 10, 57TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Levis lit the lamp 55 times and finished her five-year NCAA career with 122 points in 171 games with The Ohio State University. Her best offensive season in 2021-22 helped the Buckeyes win their first National Championship scoring 53 points in 38 games capped by Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and MVP honors. The 24-year-old from Rogers, Minnesota scored 40 points in 41 games during the 2022-23 campaign to earn a spot on the All-WCHA Third Team. She graduated a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and four-time WCHA All-Academic Team member.
“Paetyn is a natural-born scorer with two seasons of over 20 goals as one of the best goal scorers in the NCAA. She brings a significant offensive boost that will undoubtedly energize our fans. Her appetite to compete and scoring prowess will definitely set the arena on fire.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I’m super excited to start my pro career in New York with such a great organization! It is an honor and an amazing opportunity to play with and against such incredible players across the league and I can’t wait to get on the ice with my new teammates!” – Paetyn Levis
NOV. 7: EMMA WOODS (F) – ROUND 14, 81ST OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Woods has amassed six years of professional experience including three with the PHF’s Toronto Six from the franchise’s birth through its historic Isobel Cup championship. She served as an alternate captain each season, with her 2022-23 campaign the most productive offensively with 10 goals and 23 points in 24 games. The 27-year-old from Burford, Ontario played two seasons in the CWHL and one in the SDHL after graduating from Quinnipiac University. She recorded double-digit goals, assists, and point totals in all four of her NCAA seasons and was captain of the Bobcats her senior year.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Emma Woods to our squad. A true leader of the highest caliber, she served as captain in her final university season and was assistant captain for the last three seasons in the pros. Emma brings a remarkable presence on the ice, elevating the performance of each of her teammates.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I am absolutely thrilled to be selected by New York in the PWHL inaugural season. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent this team and I couldn’t be more excited to get things started in New York. I believe that our staff have put together a special group of players, and we plan to make a big impact. I’m looking forward to puck drop.” – Emma Woods
NOV. 7: JESSIE ELDRIDGE (F) – ROUND 3, 16TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Eldridge is among the 23 players named to Canada’s National Women’s Team roster for the opening two games of the Rivalry Series against Team USA. She competed in last year’s event after winning gold with her country at the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship. The 25-year-old from Barrie, Ontario has spent the last four years with the PWHPA and finished third in 2022-23 scoring with 22 points in 20 games. At Colgate University she captained the Raiders as a 2018-19 senior, became the program’s first Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award top-10 finalist, and graduated as the team’s all-time leading scorer.
“We are elated to secure an agreement with Jessie Eldridge for multiple years. An attacker who not only brings a style of play that fans adore, but one that opponents dread facing. Her offensive prowess ensures she’ll be a threat every time the puck enters the opposing zone.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I could not be more grateful to be officially joining the New York team! If you would have told me 15 years ago that I would be able to be a true professional hockey player today I’m not sure I would’ve believed it. It has taken a village of my friends and family to get me to this moment, but I am so excited to bring them along for the next chapter. Pascal and his staff have drafted a special group of people and players and I know it won’t be long for the entire city to fully embrace women’s hockey and all it has to offer. The countdown to puck drop is on and I can’t wait to see everyone soon!” – Jessie Eldridge
NOV. 6: KAYLA VESPA (F) – ROUND 13, 76TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Vespa has already accumulated three years of professional experience competing as a member of the PWHPA and finished fourth on her team in scoring with 11 points in 19 games during the 2022-23 campaign. The 26-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario spent her NCAA career at St. Lawrence University and led the Saints in face-off efficiency and all three scoring categories as a senior in 2019-20 with 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points and MVP honors. In high school, she was a five-sport athlete playing basketball, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track in addition to ice hockey.
“We are thrilled to introduce Kayla Vespa to the New York PWHL team. Her boundless energy, speed, gritty determination, and unwavering passion on the ice make her a competitor at every moment. Kayla embodies the winning attitude we cherish in New York, and we’re eager to see her in action.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I am incredibly honored and thrilled to sign with New York! I feel very fortunate to play professional hockey for this great organization. I can’t wait to start this journey with my new teammates and especially in front of our fans.” – Kayla Vespa
NOV. 3: ÉLIZABETH GIGUÈRE (F) – ROUND 5, 28TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Giguère scored 22 points in 18 games in her first professional season with the PHF’s Boston Pride in 2022-23, ranking second among rookies behind fellow New York signee Jade Downie-Landry. The 26-year-old from Quebec City also debuted with Canada’s National Women’s Team for all seven games of the Rivalry Series against Team USA. The 2015 U18 silver medalist had a star-studded NCAA career as a 2018 National Champion and 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner with Clarkson University and graduated following a fifth year at the University of Minnesota-Duluth with 295 career points which ranks third all-time.
“We’re honored to bring aboard Élizabeth Giguère. With skills and flair that will undoubtedly electrify fans every time she hits the ice, she brings to the lineup a daily drive to continuously elevate her game.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“I was so excited to hear my name called by PWHL New York. I cannot wait for training camp to start, and to meet all of New York’s great fans in the Tri-State area! I want to especially thank my mom and dad, my wife, Claudia, my brothers, and the rest of my family and friends – I would not be here without you. Let’s go, New York!” – Élizabeth Giguère
NOV. 2: BROOKE HOBSON (D) – ROUND 8, 45TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Hobson played the 2022-23 season overseas with MoDo Hockey of the SDHL where she collected 20 points in 32 games and was nominated for the league’s Defenseman of the Year award. The 24-year-old from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan spent five years with the Northeastern University Huskies, including two as captain, and was a three-time Hockey East Second Team All-Star. She has also represented Canada with a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. Away from the rink, the multi-sport athlete is an avid golfer who won three provincial junior women’s titles as a teenager.
“By signing Brooke Hobson, a defenseman whose dedication fans will appreciate every game night, we’re not only thrilled to integrate her talent and leadership but also confident that we’re offering our fans an exceptional defensive core.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“It was a great honor to hear my name get called by New York, and I am beyond excited to be a part of the PWHL’s inaugural season. I can’t wait to be with my teammates and to meet many great fans from the Tri-state area. I would like to say thank you to my friends, family, former coaches, and everyone who has impacted my hockey career so far – I am so thankful, and I appreciate everything you have done for me. I am looking forward to the bright lights of New York and to represent the area’s great hockey community. See you soon and go New York!” – Brooke Hobson
NOV. 1: JADE DOWNIE-LANDRY (F) – ROUND 9, 52ND OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Downie-Landry made the most of her first professional season in 2022-23 by leading all PHF rookies and her expansion Montreal Force squad in scoring. The league All-Star had 10 goals and 23 points in 24 games which tied for seventh overall. The 28-year-old from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec was the first player with U SPORTS experience selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft. She scored an incredible 204 points in 165 games as a member of the University of McGill Martlets and was a three-time All-Canadian and 2021-22 recipient of the Brodrick Trophy as the U SPORTS Player of the Year.
“We’re proud to finalize an agreement with Jade Downie-Landry, a forward whose zeal and tenacity fans will cherish every game night. We’re excited to infuse her offensive flair and passion into our top-tier roster.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“As a lifelong Quebecer, I am excited for the adventure that awaits me in New York. I cannot wait to meet all of my new teammates and staff in person and become a part of the Tri-State hockey community. I want to thank my family, friends, and loved ones for supporting me throughout my hockey career – it means the world to me. See you soon PWHL fans, and allez New York!” – Jade Downie-Landry
OCT. 31: ELLA SHELTON (D) – ROUND 1, 4TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Shelton has been a member of Canada’s National Women’s Team since the 2020-21 season and has amassed two gold medals and one silver competing in the last three IIHF Women’s World Championships, along with gold at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. The 25-year-old from Ingersoll, ON developed her championship pedigree at Clarkson University by winning back-to-back national titles as a freshman and sophomore in 2017 and 2018. She wrapped up her NCAA career as captain of the Golden Knights in a point-per-game 2019-20 campaign before turning pro with the PWHPA.
“I’m proud to announce to all our New York fans and to Ella Shelton’s dedicated followers that our organization’s very first draft pick has committed to the next three seasons. Her talent, maturity, leadership, and passion are undoubtedly qualities that will not only elevate everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her, but collectively, they pave the way for us to be a leading organization in our relentless pursuit of excellence.” – Pascal Daoust, General Manager
“There is so much excitement and anticipation around the inaugural year of the PWHL and just when you think it couldn’t get better, I get to play the sport I love and continue my career with the New York team. Talk about an astonishing place on its own and now we get to play hockey there, that tops it all off. I am so excited to be in this centre with such an amazing group of athletes. I’m thrilled to be a part of the successes we have, meet the fans, and connect with the surrounding communities.” – Ella Shelton
New York currently has three players under contract including forwards Abby Roque and Alex Carpenter, and defender Micah Zandee-Hart.
SEPT. 8: ABBY ROQUE (F), ALEX CARPENTER (F), MICAH ZANDEE-HART(D)
Final team rosters must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.