Abby Roque, Alex Carpenter, and Micah-Zandee Hart were the first three players signed by the PWHL's New York team.
Abby Roque, Alex Carpenter, and Micah-Zandee Hart were the first three players signed by the PWHL's New York team.
New York was the final PWHL team to announce their inaugural signings, as the team inked Team USA members Abby Roque and Alex Carpenter, along with Team Canada member Micah Zandee-Hart.
“When you're building a championship-caliber team, you look for your cornerstone players,” said Pascal Daoust, General Manager of PWHL New York. “Signing Abby Roque, Micah Zandee-Hart, and Alex Carpenter isn't just about roster building, it's about setting the tone in the locker room and on the ice. They represent the heart of our foundation, the compete every player and coach respects, and the spirit our fans will rally behind. With them lacing up for us, every play and every moment will be a step closer to the culture of excellence we're crafting.”
Carpenter, 29, has six World Championship gold medals and two silver, and a pair of Olympic silver medals to her resume. Last season Carpenter had 11 points in 20 games for Team Scotiabank in the PWHPA. The former Patty Kazmaier winner with Boston College spent four seasons playing with Kunlan and KRS Vanke Rays before the PWHPA this past season. She's scored more than a point per game in two straight World Championships including nine points in seven games this year.
“I’m thrilled to have signed with New York of the PWHL,” said Carpenter. “From the moment New York was announced as a franchise, I knew this would be a great opportunity both for me and women’s hockey and I can’t wait to get started. I would like to thank Pascal Daoust and his team for their professionalism throughout this process. It became clear to me in speaking with him that the organization is committed to qualities of hard work, accountability, and leadership, all which resonate with me personally and in my play. I’m excited to continue to build the game I love with my teammates and this organization here in New York.”
“We're proud to welcome Alex Carpenter to our New York franchise in the PWHL,” said Daoust. “As an offensive center, Alex's scoring touch and skills, combined with her determination, truly stand out. Her relentless dedication, both during games and in training, perfectly mirrors the core values and vision we're championing as we strive for unparalleled excellence. We have no doubt Alex will soon win the hearts of our fans.”
Roque, 25, has blossomed as one of Team USA's most impactful forwards combining a powerful, in your face approach, and scoring skills in tight. Roque only joined USA's national team in 2021 following her graduation from Wisconsin, scoring nine points in seven games this year to help USA win gold, her first with the nation. In the PWHPA, Roque finished her season with Team Sonnet with 16 points in 20 games.
“I’m so thrilled to be one of the first women signed in the PWHL,” said Roque. “New York is an amazing city and such a great place to start a women’s ice hockey franchise. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of this league and this team. As the great Taylor Swift once said, welcome to New York!”
“We are thrilled to announce Abby Roque as an inaugural player for our New York franchise in the PWHL,” said Daoust. “As a center, Abby embodies exceptional skills and leadership. Her unparalleled work ethic, both on and off ice, represents the values and vision we have for our team as we strive for excellence. We're confident that our fans will soon embrace Abby with the same enthusiasm and pride that we feel.”
Micah Zandee-Hart, 26, was the only national team member to sign with a team not in her home country, as Zandee-Hart jumped south to sign with Minnesota. The British Columbia product, however, has strong ties to the state having played her NCAA hockey with Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York. Zandee-Hart has both Olympic and World Championship gold to her resume, and captained both Canada's U-18 national team and Cornell. She had three assists in 20 PWHPA games this season with Team Sonnet, and has eight assists in 28 career international games for Canada.
“I feel privileged to be one of the first women to sign with the PWHL,” said Zandee-Hart. “This league has been years, even decades in the making, as it is the legends of our game who have paved the way for women’s hockey. I am grateful to these women, to my fellow players today, the PWHL board of directors, and specifically to the player board for their countless hours in making this a reality for us. I am looking forward to joining the New York organization and growing the game with the community.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Micah Zandee-Hart, a Canadian native who honed her skills in the Tri-State Area at Cornell, to our New York franchise in the PWHL,” said Daoust. “Renowned for her leadership on a global scale and a playing style that aligns with our team’s values, Micah stands as a testament to the caliber of team we’re building. Our fans are in for a treat with her blend of talent and authenticity.”