PWHL Hamilton Signs Second-Round Pick Jade Iginla

PWHL Hamilton has signed second-round pick Jade Iginla to a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season, the team announced Tuesday.

Hamilton selected Iginla 18th overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, adding the Brown University captain after the most productive season of her collegiate career.

“Jade is exactly the type of player we want as part of the foundation of PWHL Hamilton,” general manager Meghan Duggan said. “She has demonstrated throughout her time at Brown that she can produce offensively, compete at a high level and, importantly, lead a team.”

Iginla, 21, finished her four-year career at Brown with 99 points, including 56 goals and 43 assists, in 123 games.

The Lake Country, B.C., native set career highs across the board as a senior in 2025-26, recording 17 goals and 33 points in 32 games while serving as captain of the Bears. She was named Third Team All-ECAC for her performance.

“Serving as captain is a tremendous responsibility, and Jade embraced that role while continuing to be one of the team’s top offensive contributors,” Duggan said. “We’re excited about the skill and competitiveness she brings to our forward group, and we believe she has all the qualities to make an impact in our inaugural season.”

Iginla also has international experience with Canada, winning gold at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

“I’m thrilled to officially sign with PWHL Hamilton,” Iginla said. “I’ve heard so much about how passionate PWHL and Hamilton sports fans are, and I’m looking forward to getting to play in front of them. It’s special to be a small part of building this team from the ground up.”

Iginla becomes the second player from Hamilton's inaugural draft class to sign with the club. First-round pick Nelli Laitinen, selected sixth overall, signed a three-year contract that was announced Monday.

Hamilton now has 16 players under contract for its inaugural season, including nine forwards.