Detroit's Blue Line Takes Shape

Mellissa Channell-Watkins warming up for the Vancouver Goldeneyes/ Rebecca Labaj

Detroit’s blue line has taken shape with their latest signings. Headlining their free-agency signings was Michigan native Mellissa Channell-Watkins, who joins the team from the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Prior to playing in Vancouver Channell-Watkins played for Minnesota where she won back-to-back championships. She brings a veteran presence to a young blue-line along with championship experience which will be important for one of the league’s newest teams as they look to dive right in. 

Joining her are defenders Stephanie Markowski and Mia Biotti. Markowski joins from the Ottawa Charge, where she’s continued to make an impact finding 10 points and 51 blocks, becoming a reliable presence on the blue-line. In her first two seasons she’s made back-to-back Finals seasons gaining valuable playoff experience. While, Mia Biotti joins from the Boston Fleet, where she was a reserve player moving in and out of the lineup. Through Boston’s injuries Biotti was able to gain some valuable experience playing in 13 regular season games averaging 4.22 minutes a game. 

With six defenders now under contract, Detroit's focus will most likely shift to goaltender Andrea Brändli, who was the team’s first-ever draft pick, going 15th overall. Brändli is a major piece for Detroit's backend and clearly what Mannon Rheame wanted to build in front of, not signing a goaltender in expansion. Currently Detroit has 13 players under contract, coming up to that 19 player mark, for those unfamiliar the league restricts teams to 19 players under contract until training camp allowing for prospects and other unsigned players to have a chance at making the final roster.