Nancy Shields
PWHL Vancouver has officially announced its 32-player training camp roster as preparations begin for the team’s first full Professional Women’s Hockey League season.
Players will report to Vancouver starting November 7, with the first on-ice session set for Monday, November 10 at the Pacific Coliseum.
The roster features 18 forwards, 10 defenders, and four goaltenders, including 19 signed players and additional players competing for limited spots. Teams must submit final 23-player active rosters by Wednesday, November 19, just two days before Vancouver’s regular-season debut against Seattle on Friday, November 21.
A Competitive Mix of Experience and Opportunity
General Manager Cara Gardner Morey described the group as a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy. “We have assembled a highly competitive training camp roster, with a strong combination of skilled veterans and young, eager players who will all compete to make what is going to be a talented squad,” said Gardner Morey in the team’s announcement. “This is an extremely gritty and hard-working group.”
That mix is evident throughout the lineup. Vancouver’s roster includes several established PWHL standouts, among them Sarah Nurse, Jenn Gardiner, Michela Cava, Claire Thompson, and Emerance Maschmeyer, alongside a handful of new draft picks and camp invites aiming to earn full-time contracts.
Veterans Set the Foundation
The core of the team features proven talent from across the league.
- Sarah Nurse, who spent the past two seasons with the Toronto Sceptres, brings leadership to Vancouver’s inaugural lineup.
- Hannah Miller and Jenn Gardiner, both returning to their hometown area, add fire power up front.
- Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques, both Walter Cup champions from the Minnesota Frost, headline a defence group built around mobility and offensive potential.
- Emerance Maschmeyer and Kristen Campbell, both with extensive international and professional experience, give Vancouver an incredible goaltending tandem.
New Faces Looking to Impress
The training camp list also includes five 2025 PWHL Draft picks:
- Michelle Karvinen, Vancouver’s first round draft pick at seventh overall, is a four-time Olympian for Finland and one of Europe’s most decorated forwards.
- Chanreet Bassi, Nina Jobst-Smith, Brianna Brooks, and Madison Samoskevich, all bring collegiate pedigree and will compete for roster spots.
In addition to the drafted players, nine camp invitees, including forwards Katie Chan, Darcie Lappan, Taylor Lind, and Malia Schneider, defenders Madison Clough, Karley Garcia, and Kennesha Miswaggon, and goaltenders Erica Fryer and Kimberly Newell, will try to make a strong impression over the two weeks of practices and scrimmages.
Building Toward Opening Night
With 32 players vying for 23 roster spots, competition is expected to be intense, particularly among depth forwards and third-pair defenders. Gardner Morey and head coach Brian Idalski will be tasked with balancing veteran experience with the hunger of younger prospects to establish Vancouver’s identity in its first season.
PWHL Vancouver opens its regular-season schedule at home against PWHL Seattle on November 21, marking the start of a new chapter for professional women’s hockey on the West Coast.
2025-26 PWHL Vancouver Training Camp Roster
Forwards (18): Chanreet Bassi, Abigail Boreen*, Brianna Brooks, Michela Cava*, Katie Chan, Izzy Daniel*, Jenn Gardiner*, Michelle Karvinen*, Denisa Křížová*, Darcie Lappan, Taylor Lind, Brooke McQuigge*, Hannah Miller*, Sarah Nurse*, Gabby Rosenthal*, Madison Samoskevich, Malia Schneider, Tereza Vanišová*
Defenders (10): Sydney Bard*, Ashton Bell*, Mellissa Channell-Watkins*, Madison Clough, Karley Garcia, Emma Greco*, Sophie Jaques*, Nina Jobst-Smith, Kennesha Miswaggon, Claire Thompson*
Goaltenders (4): Kristen Campbell*, Erica Fryer, Emerance Maschmeyer*, Kimberly Newell
(*denotes signed players)