Sources have confirmed that PWHL Vancouver is first out of the gates in the PWHL expansion process signing defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques from the Minnesota Frost.

Jaques and Thompson were two of the three nominees this season for the PWHL's Defender of the Year.

Jaques finished tied for the league lead in scoring by a defender with 22 points, while Thompson was third with 18 points in 30 games.

The signings activated a fourth protection for the Minnesota Frost. Although unconfirmed, it is believed the Frost have used their fourth protection on forward Britta Curl-Salemme.

More to come.