PWHL Expansion into Hamilton

In May, the PWHL announced it was expanding. After launching with six teams in 2024 and expanding to eight this past season,  the PWHL is now welcoming four more cities, including Hamilton, into the league.

Hamilton is the tenth team to be added to the league, with its home games at the TD Coliseum. The arrival of a PWHL team brings the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best female hockey players closer to home. Hamilton has long been recognized as a huge hockey hub; many professional players have come out of Hamilton, such as Sarah Nurse, and now fans have a home to build the existing fanbase. 

Kayla Vespa, a Hamilton native, has joined PWHL Hamilton, giving the city a hometown player to cheer for. While Vespa may be the only Hamilton native on the roster, players such as Alexa Vasko, Brianne Jenner and Nicole Gosling also have roots across Ontario, giving PWHL Hamilton a strong sense of local pride. 

The team will be led by Kris Sparre as the Head Coach. Sparre began his hockey coaching career with the OHL team the Niagara IceDogs. He spent his last season with the PWHL team the Boston Fleet and contributed to a major turnover. Along with Sparre, we have Megan Duggan as the General Manager. Duggan is a former Olympic Gold medalist for the U.S. women's team and has spent the last five years with the New Jersey Devils as Director of Player Development.

Hamilton’s roster is generating plenty of excitement due to a blend of established stars, rising prospects, and promising draft picks. Jade Iginla is a top newcomer. A forward from Brown University and the daughter of former NHL star Jarome Iginla. Jade has hockey pedigree and high potential. Defender Nelli Laitinen, another standout, brings valuable international experience from Finland and a successful career at the University of Minnesota.

Through the draft, the team also added forwards Elyssa Biederman, Megan Woodworth, and Mya Vaslet, all young talents. Rounding out the roster is Danish goaltender Emma-Sofie Nordstrøm, joining from St. Lawrence University.

A big standout is Brianna Jenner. Jenner signed a three-year agreement with Hamilton after previously playing with the Ottawa Charge. Jenner is an established star on the roster and contributed to two Olympic Golds for Team Canada. Jenner brings extensive experience, knowledge, and leadership to the team.

​With a talented roster and experienced leadership, Hamilton’s PWHL team is ready to make an impact in the league and in the city, where a passionate hockey community is ready to rally behind women's professional hockey.