2023 PWHL Training Camp Preview: New York

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team based out of the New York area is slowly, but surely, getting its roster set as the league heads into training camp. As of writing, New York has announced 15 signings: ten forwards, four defenders and one goaltender. Just three draft picks remain unsigned at this time, with plenty of space for camp invites to play themselves into a contract.

Expected Camp Roster

Team Staff

• General manager: Pascal Daoust, former longtime GM of the Val-d'Or Foreurs in the QMJHL
• Head coach: Howie Draper, formerly head coach of the University of Alberta women's team for 25 years
• Assistant coach: Colton Orr, most recently head coach of the PHF's Connecticut Whale since 2019 and former NHL and AHL player
• Assistant coach: Mike Sommer, formerly an assistant coach with the University of British Columbia women's team
• Scout: Katia Clement-Heydra, former CWHL forward with Les Canadiennes and assistant coach with the Montreal Force

What They Have

Right now, this team has an interesting mix of talent from a variety of sources. Pascal Daoust and staff have looked at all different pools of women’s hockey, from the PWHPA to the PHF, college hockey and internationally, in building their team. Half of the defense signed so far (two players) spent last season in the PWHPA, but there's also Brooke Hobson, who played with MoDo, and Olivia Zafuto, coming from the PHF’s Boston Pride. The forward group includes collegiate standouts in Paetyn Levis and Chloe Aurard, but also former PWHPA players and PHF players. The same is true for the mix of players invited to camp.

What They Should Be Looking For

New York's roster composition so far is super interesting, for one reason in particular: they currently only have four players signed to three-year contracts. Per the collective bargaining agreement, each team has to sign at least six players to three-year agreements of no less than $80,000 per year. With a lot of their big-name players already locked up, Pascal Daoust and his staff will have to sign at least two more players to three-year deals. With only a few draftees unsigned, will we see both of those contracts go to draftees? Or might a free agent invite make a big splash (and big commitment)?

With Abbey Levy only signed one for year, it might make sense for New York to sign a goaltender to a longer-term contract. This would provide some stability in the crease and set a foundation for the future in net. And, with only Levy signed so far, we already know New York has to be looking at its options. Could Corinne Schroeder earn herself a hefty, longer-term deal?

Otherwise, they're likely looking to add at least two defenders and two forwards, in addition to the two reserve spots they can offer.

News & Notes

Here's a look at the inaugural season jerseys for New York. The team's official colors are Turquoise, Navy Blue, and White:

New York will utilize the Chelsea Piers Athletic Club in Stamford, Connecticut as its training facility, including on-ice and off-ice training and conditioning. The team will also use office space at the same facility for its hockey and administrative staff. The NWHL's Connecticut Whale played their inaugural season at Chelsea Piers.