A Look at What Dominique Didia is Building in Las Vegas

This off-season has been a busy one with four new expansion teams entering the league, including further expansion on the West Coast to Las Vegas. So here’s a look at what Dominique Didia has built so far:

Forwards 

With their first signing up front Vegas secured Hayley Scamurra who became the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal and Walter Cup in the same year. With the Victoire this season Scamurra had 20 points and was a big contributor on the faceoff dot, finishing with 40.75 winning faceoff percentage.

Also joining from the Victoire is Walter Cup champion Maureen Murphy who had 4 goals, 3 assists and 17 blocks this season. Over the course of her three seasons with Montreal Murphy has 16 goals, 21 assists, and 57 blocks. She brings a strong two-way presence to the desert. 

Joining from the Minnesota Frost is Katy Knoll who has 7 goals, 2 assists, and 32 blocks this season as she found her groove. Knoll also brings championship experience winning the Walter Cup in her rookie season last year with Minnesota as they went back-to-back. 

Joining from the Seattle Torrent is Natalie Snodgrass, who recorded 3 goals and 3 assists, while also finding contributions on the defensive end. 

Also from Seattle is Jada Habisch who stepped in through the Torrents injuries in the later part of the season, finding her first goal in the PWHL. 

Also joining from the Torrent is Sydney Langseth, who joined the lineup in the later part of the season through Seattle’s injuries. 

Rounding out the forward group is Darcie Lappan from the Vancouver Goldeneyes who suited up for 12 games, coming off the reserve. 

Defenders 

Vegas’ first signings brought in Minnesota Frost defensive pair Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper. While other teams focused up front Vegas brought in a proven defensive line with a combined 34 points this past season. The pair finished +9 and +10 respectively while playing a major part on the Frost’s backend from game-winning saves to offensive momentum; this dynamic duo looks to pick up right where they left off. 

Also joining from the Frost is Madison Bizal who joined her hometown team from Montreal, who stepped up this season as Minnesota managed several injuries throughout the season. 

Joining the young core is veteran and Walter Cup champion Erin Ambrose who has been with Montreal since the inaugural season. With Montreal Ambrose has 4 goals, 38 assists, and 140 blocks through the last three seasons and playoffs 

Megan Carter from the Seattle Torrent who has provided a steady presence on the backend, with 29 blocked shots this past season, while finding ways to contribute upfront. 

Goaltender

To go along with a strong d-core Vegas brought in one of the best signing goaltender Nicole Hensley to a two-year deal. Hensley has spent the last 3 seasons in Minnesota alongside goalie partner Maddie Rooney where they helped lead the Frost to back-to-back Walter Cups. Hensley has continued to grow her game and prove why she’s one of the best, now signing with Vegas she will have the chance to serve as the primary goaltender rather than splitting the net. 

Draft 

Tessa Janecke (F) Penn State

Lacey Eden (F) University of Wisconsin

Issy Wunder (F) Princeton University

Josefin Bouveng (F) University of Minnesota 

Saskia Maurer (G) SC Burn (SDHL)

Kendall Butze (D) Penn State

Alexis Petford (F) Colgate University

Sydney Healey (F) Boston University