Stay up to date on all official signings as Montreal builds its roster for the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
Montreal currently has 17 players under contract including forwards Ann-Sophie Bettez, Sarah Bujold, Claire Dalton, Gabrielle David, Jillian Dempsey, Kennedy Marchment, Maureen Murphy, Kristin O’Neill, Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, Tereza Vanišová, defenders Erin Ambrose, Mariah Keopple, Dominika Lásková, Kati Tabin, and goaltenders Elaine Chuli, Ann-Renée Desbiens.
DEC. 11: GABRIELLE DAVID (F) – ROUND 9, 54TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
David turns pro after four NCAA seasons at Clarkson University where she totaled 149 points including 58 goals and 91 assists in 135 games. The 24-year-old from Drummondville, Quebec tied for the Golden Knights scoring lead with a career-high 52 points in 42 games as a senior in 2022-23, also recording an impressive plus-33 rating. Her performance made her a 2023 ECAC Third Team All-League Honouree, in addition to a fourth-straight ECAC All-Academic Team honour. She won silver with Canada at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and participated in September’s National Team Camp.
“Gabrielle David nous a clairement montré pourquoi nous l’avions choisie lors de la draft; elle a progressé de manière constante tout au long de la semaine à Utica.” – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“Très contente de pouvoir continuer ma carrière à Montréal. J’ai vraiment hâte de débuter la saison devant les meilleurs partisants. Au plaisir de vous rencontrer. Allez Montréal!” – Gabrielle David
DEC. 11: TEREZA VANIŠOVÁ (F) – ROUND 7, 42ND OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Vanišová was the overtime hero in the 2023 Isobel Cup Final helping the Toronto Six win their first title. The goal capped an impressive season for the 27-year-old who scored 14 points in 20 games, and a PHF career that included 2021 and 2022 championships with the Boston Pride after graduating from the University of Maine. On the international stage, the Czechia native represented her country at the 2022 Olympics, and most recently won a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship where she tied for second in team scoring in her sixth top division appearance.
“Lors des matchs à Utica, nous avons admiré la vision de jeu de Vanišová ainsi que ses habiletés manuelles exceptionnelles. Elle agissait avec rapidité et exploitait habilement l’espace disponible.” – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“I am really excited to join Montréal for the next two seasons. I can’t wait for the season to get started and to meet the fans.” – Tereza Vanišová
NOV. 29: MAUREEN MURPHY (F) – ROUND 3, 18TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Murphy turns pro after six NCAA seasons as a Hockey East All-Academic split between Providence College and Northeastern University. She exceeded 50 points in back-to-back campaigns for the Huskies, including a career-high 30 goals and 56 points in 37 games in 2021-22, and 35 assists and 55 points in 33 games in 2022-23. Her 1.67 points-per-game average last season was the third-best mark in NCAA women’s hockey as she was named a top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist. The 23-year-old from Buffalo, New York won gold with Team USA at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
“Maureen is a young player who has a high ceiling. Her skills and intelligence on the ice will bring us versatility throughout our lineup.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I’m so excited to be part of this team for the next three years, and I hope to see all of our fans at our home opener on January 13.” – Maureen Murphy
NOV. 21: MARIAH KEOPPLE (D) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Keopple signs her first professional deal just months after graduating from Princeton University in the spring. The 23-year-old from Menomonie, Wisconsin served as an assistant captain for the Tigers during the 2022-23 NCAA campaign and received All-Ivy League Honorable Mention with 15 points in 31 games. It marked the third time in four seasons she produced double digit points, and the third time in four seasons she was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team. Standing at 5-foot-9, she will be among the tallest players in the league this season.
“Mariah brings a presence to the defensive core. She’s a young, developing player that we’re excited about!” – – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“I’m so excited to be signing with Montreal and exploring a new city, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and incredible staff. Montreal is such a beautiful city full of tradition, and I know it is going to be such an amazing market to be a part of.” – Mariah Keopple
NOV. 21: DOMINIKA LÁSKOVÁ (D) – ROUND 4, 19TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Lásková was the first PHF player selected in the PWHL Draft, months after scoring 13 points in 24 games and winning an Isobel Cup championship with the Toronto Six alongside teammates Kati Tabin and Elaine Chuli. The 26-year-old from Praha, Czechia is a graduate of Merrimack College and has vast international experience. Notable events include the 2022 Olympics and four IIHF Women’s World Championship appearances in the top division, playing an integral role in her country’s historic 2022 and 2023 bronze medals. She began this season with Luleå HF of the SDHL and recorded six points in 13 games.
“Laska is a highly skilled player that brings versatility and international experience to our lineup. Her outgoing personality provides energy at the rink.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I’m excited for a new journey to start.” – Dominika Lásková
NOV. 20: KATI TABIN (D) – ROUND 5, 30TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Tabin led all PHF defenders in scoring during the 2022-23 campaign as a member of the Isobel Cup champion Toronto Six, playing alongside fellow signee Elaine Chuli. She produced 18 points in 24 regular season games and was also among the league’s top playoff performers, with four points in as many contests. The 26-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba first made her pro debut with the Connecticut Whale in 2021-22, a year after graduating from Quinnipiac University. The former Bobcat was appointed captain as a senior in 2019-20 and named to the Third Team All-ECAC.
“Adding a player like Kati to our blue line gives us another offensive piece to the puzzle we were looking for. She brings pro experience and big game exposure which will help our team.” – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“I’m grateful for signing a contract in Montreal and I can’t wait to get started!” – Kati Tabin
NOV. 20: ELAINE CHULI (G) – ROUND 13, 78TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Chuli backstopped the PHF’s Toronto Six to its first Isobel Cup title in 2022-23, posting a 3-1 playoff record, including one shutout victory, a goals-against-average of 2.20, and save percentage of .920. Over three seasons, the 29-year-old from Waterford, Ontario won 32 of her 41 regular season games and was named the league’s 2022 Goaltender of the Year. Her career also includes one PWHPA season, two CWHL campaigns split between China and the Toronto Furies, and four NCAA years at the University of Connecticut. In 2012, she won U18 gold for Canada with teammates Erin Ambrose and Laura Stacey.
“Securing a goalie who has championship experience, like Elaine, was important to us. She is a competitor in the net and pushes her teammates and that is exciting for us.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I am very excited to start the next chapter of my professional playing career in Montreal. It is a privilege to play in a market like this and I look forward to getting to work with my new teammates.” – Elaine Chuli
NOV. 15: SARAH BUJOLD (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bujold spent the 2022-23 season as a member of the PHF’s Metropolitan Riveters and finished third on the team with 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 23 games. The 27-year-old from Riverview, New Brunswick previously spent three seasons overseas in the SDHL with Djurgårdens IF and HV71 and was annually among her team’s top-two scorers. She developed her offensive prowess at St. Francis Xavier University where she compiled 113 points in five seasons between 2014-19 and was named the 2016-17 U SPORTS Player of the Year with a goal-per-game average.
“Sarah brings versatility to our lineup and can contribute to our special teams. She’s tenacious and her work ethic is second to none.” — Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I’m so happy to be playing in Montreal this season! Montreal is a big hockey city with such a great atmosphere and fan base. I can’t wait to get things started with the team!”— Sarah Bujold
NOV. 15: ANN-SOPHIE BETTEZ (F) – ROUND 14, 79TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bettez officially adds another chapter to a storied career representing women’s hockey in Montreal at all levels. She was a three-time U SPORTS champion and 2012 Player of the Year for McGill University, then played seven seasons with the CWHL’s Stars and Les Canadiennes. That stretch included being named 2013 Rookie of the Year, 2014 MVP, and a 2017 Clarkson Cup champion. Following three seasons as a member of the PWHPA, the 36-year-old from Sept-Îles, Quebec captained the PHF’s expansion Force and scored 22 points in 23 games. Internationally, she won bronze with Canada at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“Bettez est une figure importante de la communauté du hockey féminin à Montréal. Elle est une leader qui aidera notre équipe dans les deux sens de la patinoire, en plus d’agir à titre de mentore auprès de nos jeunes joueuses.” – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“Très contente de pouvoir continuer ma carrière à Montréal. J’ai vraiment hâte de débuter la saison devant les meilleurs partisants. Au plaisir de vous rencontrer. Allez Montréal!” – Ann-Sophie Bettez
NOV. 14: CLAIRE DALTON (F) – ROUND 12, 67TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Dalton scored 44 goals and 89 assists for 133 points in 130 NCAA games at Yale University which set the program’s all-time mark upon her 2022-23 graduation. Her most productive offensive season was in 2021-22 with 43 points in 36 games to earn All-ECAC Third-Team honours. The 23-year-old from Toronto, Ontario served as Bulldogs captain last season and was named the recipient of Yale Athletics’ Molly Meyer Humanitarian Award. She won a bronze medal representing Canada at the 2018 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
“Claire is a young smart player who brings the ability to score goals and play in special situations. We’re looking forward to seeing her play in the pro game!” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“It is a privilege to be a part of the inaugural PWHL season and I am thrilled to have been drafted to Montreal. The staff and players Montreal has acquired are all talented and devoted to making Montreal a successful team this season. I cannot wait to get started with this group and for the puck to officially drop in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.” – Claire Dalton
NOV. 13: ERIN AMBROSE (D) – ROUND 1, 6TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Ambrose made her Canadian Olympic debut in 2022 where she was second in tournament scoring by a defender, en route to a gold medal. She has also won six IIHF Women’s World Championship medals and three U18 medals. She excelled collegiately at Clarkson University, winning the 2014 NCAA Championship, and being named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. The 29-year-old from Keswick, Ontario turned pro in 2016 when selected 7th overall by the CWHL’s Toronto Furies. She played one season before being traded to Les Canadiennes de Montréal. She also played in the PWHPA from 2019-2023, taking home the Secret® Cup in 2021.
“Erin is a very smart player with tremendous poise along the blue line. She will impact our team right away with the style she plays and the experience she brings.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I am thrilled to be signed in Montreal for the next three years. Montreal holds a special place in my heart. Our core of players are some of the best in the world and I can’t wait to get to camp to meet the rest of the team. It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans in Montreal” – Erin Ambrose
NOV. 9: JILLIAN DEMPSEY (F) – ROUND 11, 66TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Dempsey is one of the PHF’s all-time greatest players with an illustrious career as a Boston Pride that spanned the league’s eight-year history. The 32-year-old from Winthrop, Massachusetts was a six-year captain for her hometown team, won three Isobel Cups, and ranks first in regular season points (146), goals (70), assists (76), and games (142). Prior to the PHF, the Harvard University graduate was a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist her senior year, then played two seasons with the CWHL’s Boston Blades and won a Clarkson Cup. In 2012, she won silver with Team USA at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“We’re thrilled by Jillian’s extensive experience in the pro game. As a key contributor and leader in Boston, we’re confident she can bring value to our team.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I’m eager to get back on the ice as I take the next step in my career in Montreal as part of this new chapter in professional women’s hockey. I have high hopes for the inaugural season of the PWHL.” – Jillian Dempsey
NOV. 7: KENNEDY MARCHMENT (F) – ROUND 6, 31st OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Marchment was a superstar during her two PHF seasons and set Connecticut Whale franchise records for career points, goals, and assists. After winning MVP honours in 2021-22, the 26-year-old from Marmora, Ontario set the league’s single season record with an 18-game point-streak and became the first in history to produce back-to-back 30-point campaigns. She finished 2022-23 with 35 points which ranked second overall in scoring. The St. Lawrence University graduate was a top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist in 2017, and played three SDHL seasons from 2018-21 before joining the PHF.
“Kennedy elevates the performance of her teammates and possesses an astonishing talent for deciphering plays, creating offensive chances, and excelling in fast-paced situations.” – Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager
“I am extremely honoured and excited to be moving to Montreal to play in the PWHL. I cannot wait for the season to start and to get on the ice with my new teammates in front of the amazing fans!” – Kennedy Marchment
OCT. 30: KRISTIN O’NEILL (F) – ROUND 2, 7TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
O’Neill has represented Canada at the last three IIHF Women’s World Championships winning back-to-back gold in 2021 and 2022, and silver in 2023. She also earned two U18 silver medals in 2015 and 2016 IIHF tournaments. The 25-year-old from Oakville, ON played collegiately at Cornell University where she served as team captain during her senior year in 2019-20. That season she finished third in the country in goals-per-game and graduated tenth all-time in program scoring. Her last three seasons were spent competing as a member of the PWHPA.
“Kristin is a player who can play in many different situations. She is hard to play against defensively and she can chip in with offence. She is someone you want on your team instead of having to play against her.” – Kori Cheverie, Head Coach
“I’m so thrilled to have signed to play with Montreal this season. The energy, the fans, and the hockey culture in Montreal is parallel to none and I’m excited to be immersed in that. I can’t wait to get started!” – Kristin O’Neill
SEPT. 7: ANN-RENÉE DESBIENS (G), MARIE-PHILIP POULIN (F), LAURA STACEY (F)
All three players agreed to terms on three-year deals as part of the PWHL’s initial free agency period.
Final team rosters must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.