TORONTO, ON (September 7, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Montreal franchise are goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, and forwards Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. The trio of Canadian Olympians have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“I couldn’t envision a more exceptional group of individuals and athletes to represent Montreal,” said Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager of PWHL Montreal.
“We are creating an environment that fosters both athletic and personal growth, ensuring that our athletes are drawn to it as a place where they can thrive. These three players exemplify a winning spirit and are committed to a culture of continuous success. We’re excited to play in front of fans who have always shown unwavering support for the teams in Montreal.”
Danièle Sauvageau GM PWHL Montreal
Ann-Renée Desbiens
Has been rock solid between-the-pipes when representing Canada, including April’s IIHF Women’s World Championship where she was named Best Goaltender, and backstopping Canada to Olympic gold in 2022 where she started five games with a 1.80 goals-against-average and a .940 save percentage.
The 29-year-old from Clermont, QC first donned the maple leaf in 2011 as a member of the U18 team and has performed on the highest stages with silver at the 2018 Olympics, plus a total of four World Championship medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver) to her name.
Desbiens had one of the most prolific NCAA careers in the crease at the University of Wisconsin posting a career .955 save percentage, 99 wins, and a record 55 shutouts. She was a top-three finalist for the 2015-16 Patty Kazmaier Award as a junior, then won the prestigious honour as a senior in 2016-17.
Her pro career includes a 2012 Clarkson Cup title with the Montreal Stars, and competition across the PWHPA from 2019-21 and again in 2022-23.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of this historic moment for women’s hockey in Montreal,” said Desbiens.
“I’m proud to be able to play the sport I love in my home province and the city I’ve called home for the past few years. I can’t wait to begin this adventure with Laura and Marie-Philip and to make this franchise an example of excellence both on the ice and in the community.”
Ann-Renée Desbiens
“Ann is a fierce competitor who maintains her composure when it matters most,” said Sauvageau.
“She is a dedicated student of the game, driven to become the best in the world, and this relentless pursuit is a key factor in her success.”
Marie-Philip Poulin
Is one of Montreal—and Canada’s— most well-known athletes and the first women’s hockey player in history to win the honourable Northern Star Award as Canada’s athlete of the year.
Often referred to as ‘Captain Clutch’, the 32-year-old is the only player in women’s hockey history to score goals in three Olympic gold medal games, twice notching game-winners, including the iconic overtime ‘Golden Goal’ in Sochi, 2014.
Poulin has been a member of Canada’s National Team since 2007 and captain since 2015.
The native of Beauceville, QC is a four-time Olympic medalist (3 Gold, 1 Silver) and 11-time World Championship medalist (3 Gold, 7 Silver, 1 Bronze).
At Boston University she captained the Terriers and was a top-3 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award as a senior in 2015.
She uniquely played two CWHL seasons before NCAA, suiting up for the Montreal Stars as a 16-year-old and winning 2008 Rookie of the Year and the 2009 Clarkson Cup.
She resumed her pro career in 2015 with Les Canadiennes, winning three MVP and scoring titles in four years, and a second championship in 2017.
Poulin joined the PWHPA from 2019-21 and led the circuit in scoring in 2022-23 on her way to the Top Forward Award.
“This professional women’s hockey league is the outcome of years of work from key players in the hockey community,” said Poulin.
“We have achieved a very important milestone, not only for our generation of players but for all the girls who aspire to play in our professional league one day.
We now have the opportunity to make a living playing the game we love. I am proud of what we have accomplished and especially grateful to be part of the history of women’s hockey as a member of the Montreal team.
This city lives for hockey, just like me. This is where I wanted to live my dream.”
Marie-Philip Poulin
“Marie-Philip is always a true leader of every group she encounters,” said Sauvageau.
“Her work ethic stands unparalleled. She possesses a multitude of facets to her game that elevate her to the status of the ultimate competitor, both on and off the ice.”
Laura Stacey
Joins PWHL Montreal from Kleinburg, Ontario, where she developed as a dominant power forward.
A two-time Olympic Medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and five-time World Championship medalist (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze).
The 29-year-old debuted for Hockey Canada in 2011 for its U18 team, helping win two straight medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver).
Her collegiate career was played at Dartmouth University where she captained the Big Green as a senior.
Stacey turned pro upon graduation in 2016, drafted third overall to the CWHL’s Brampton Thunder where she earned Rookie of the Year honours.
Upon her return from the 2018 Olympics, she helped the Markham Thunder win the 2018 Clarkson Cup and scored the overtime-winning goal in the championship.
Competing with the PWHPA from 2019-21 and again in 2022-23, after the 2022 Olympics, Stacey was the fourth-leading scorer last season.
“It is an absolute honour to sign with Montreal and officially be a part of the PWHL,” said Stacey.
“This has been something we all have been dreaming about and collectively working towards for over four years now, and to be a part of the beginning of this new chapter is truly something I will remember forever. Allez Montreal!”
Laura Stacey
“Laura has become an offensive powerhouse in the women’s game, consistently expanding and developing her craft,” said Sauvageau.
“Her speed remains the X-factor, consistently making her hard to play against.”
The PWHL player selection process officially opened on September 1 with an initial free agency period that continues through Sept. 10. Teams are permitted to sign three players to Standard Player Agreements during this time. The 2023 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Sept. 18 where Montreal holds the sixth overall pick.
TORONTO, ON (September 7, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Boston franchise are goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Megan Keller, and forward Hilary Knight. The trio of 2023 IIHF World Women’s Championship gold medalists from the U.S. National Women’s Team have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“As a lifelong fan of Boston sports teams, I recognize the immense responsibility of building a team in this city given the high expectations of our fans, who are arguably the most passionate in all of sports,” said Danielle Marmer, General Manager of PWHL Boston.
“I’m thrilled to inform my fellow Boston fans that we have begun the process of building this team in a way that meets our city’s standards.
It’s both an honor and a privilege to announce that PWHL Boston has successfully signed three of the best women’s hockey players in the world.
“These remarkable individuals were the standout players in their respective positions on this year’s gold medal-winning IIHF championship team,” added Marmer.
“Beyond their exceptional skills, they exemplify team-first values and are outstanding individuals who I know will contribute positively to our city and will surely make all of us proud. Boston, you’ve always demanded excellence, and we are starting this the right way. I extend my congratulations to both the city and these incredible women. I eagerly anticipate our fans giving them a warm Boston welcome and witnessing the passionate support we are known for providing.”
Danielle Marmer GM of PWHL Boston
Aerin Frankel
Signs in familiar territory following a standout collegiate career at Northeastern University where she earned the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award for the 2020-21 season. Her recognition as a senior came in between two top-10 finishes for the national honor, leading her NCAA Division I competitors in goals-against-average, save percentage, winning percentage, and shutouts.
Following her graduate year with the Huskies, Frankel joined the PWHPA for the 2022-23 season, posting a stellar .937 save percentage in her first professional campaign.
The 24-year-old from Chappaqua, NY is fresh off her first World Championship title where she backstopped Team USA to victory over their Canadian rivals. The gold medal adds to her collection of two World Championship silvers from the 2021 and 2022 events.
“Boston is my home and the city that I love,” said Frankel.
“Having the opportunity to play here professionally in front of the greatest sports fans is a dream come true. I am honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Boston in the PWHL.”
Aerin Frankel
“Great teams have great goaltending, and I am beyond thrilled to announce the signing of Aerin Frankel to PWHL Boston,” said Marmer.
“Aerin is an elite goalie who has proven her ability to win at every level. Not only is she the ultimate competitor on the ice, but she’s the ultimate teammate off of it, and I couldn’t be more excited to have her join our group as one of our first three signings in PWHL Boston history.”
Megan Keller
Has been a prolific presence on the blue line everywhere she’s played, from Team USA, Boston College, and the PWHPA. She debuted with a silver medal for the U18 National Team in 2014 and has since added two Olympic medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and seven World Championship medals (5 Gold, 2 Silver) to her collection.
Keller attended Boston College from 2014-17, then returned after the 2018 Olympics to captain the Eagles as a senior, leading all NCAA defenders in all offensive categories and named a top-10 finalist for the 2018-19 Patty Kazmaier Award.
The 27-year-old from Farmington Hills, MI, turned pro with the PWHPA upon graduation and played three total seasons, most recently finishing among the top-3 defenders in scoring during 2022-23 competition.
“It’s truly an honor to be one of the first of many amazing players to sign a professional contract with the PWHL,” said Keller.
“While it’s only just the beginning for the PWHL, this historic moment would not have been possible without the sacrifices and commitment of the women who paved the way before us.
Thank you to the tireless efforts of many to help make this dream a reality for generations of hockey players to come. I’d especially like to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter along with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss for their leadership, vision, and generosity, helping to build a league alongside the voice of the players.
Lastly, thank you to Danielle Marmer and the entire Boston franchise for giving me the opportunity to play professional hockey for the greatest sports town in the World!”
Megan Keller
“Defense wins championships, and I’m proud to announce that our first signing of a defenseman is one of the best in the world in Megan Keller,” said Marmer.
“Not only is she a dominant defender, but she is also a major contributor on offense and an experienced leader on the ice and in the locker room. This is a great day for Boston!”
Hilary Knight
Is one of the game’s most recognizable names, serving more than 15 years as an integral member of Team USA.
The 34-year-old has notably represented her country at four Olympics (1 Gold, 3 Silver) and thirteen World Championships (9 Gold, 4 Silver) since 2007. Her nine World Championship golds and 13 overall medals are tied for the most all-time, while her hat-trick in April’s gold medal game extended her record point total to 101 in the IIHF’s top tournament.
The Sun Valley, ID native spent her NCAA tenure at the University of Wisconsin, where she was a three-time top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award and helped the Badgers win two National Championships.
As a pro, Knight debuted with the CWHL’s Boston Blades in 2012 and won two Clarkson Cups in three years.
She also played two PHF seasons as captain of the Boston Pride and led the inaugural season in scoring and captured the first Isobel Cup presented in 2016.
Knight returned to the CWHL for parts of two seasons with Les Canadiennes, and in 2019 became a founding member of the PWHPA where she has competed and served on the Board.
“The City of Boston and its fans have always held a special place in my heart,” said Knight.
“I am excited to return to Boston and honored by the opportunity to be a part of the original build of a successful franchise. This year will be historic in so many ways, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hilary Knight
“We’re creating a formidable offense in Boston beginning with the best building block a team could ever ask for in Hilary Knight,” said Marmer.
“I’m ecstatic that our fans will get to cheer on a legend of women’s hockey, and I’m looking forward to the experience and leadership qualities she will bring to our team!”
The PWHL player selection process officially opened on September 1 with an initial free agency period that continues through Sept. 10. Teams are permitted to sign three players to Standard Player Agreements during this time. The 2023 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Sept. 18 where Boston holds the third overall pick.
