Vancouver Goldeneyes Holding Strong Entering Phase 3

Rebecca Labaj

Well the PWHL expansion is leaving teams having to rebuild the Vancouver Goldeneyes may be in the best position having gone unscathed in Phase 2. Phase 3 begins today which allows the pre-existing teams to lock down three more players for the 2026-27 season. 

Last season neither expansion team had the finish they were hoping for becoming the first teams eliminated from playoff contention, putting them on the Gold Plan. Ultimately the Vancouver Goldeneyes won the Gold Plan securing the number 1 pick in the 2026 Entry Draft. This year's draft class is stacked with Olympic talent, including this year’s Olympic MVP Caroline Harvey who is expected to land in the Goldeneyes flock. 

In Phase 1 of the expansion the Goldeneyes locked down Sophie Jaques, Sarah Nurse and Emerance Maschmeyer giving them depth in their lineup. In Phase 2 this year’s expansion teams (Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose) all signed 5 players to build out their core. The Goldeneyes got lucky in Phase 2 with none of their players being signed, giving them the best set up for Phase 3 where they can lock in three more players for the 2026-27 season. Looking at this past season, top contenders for these slots are Abby Boreen, Ashton Bell, Claire Thompson, and Izzy Daniel. 

Abby Boreen was a spark on offense all season creating chances and finding the back of the net. Boreen also brings championship experience to the Goldeneyes having won the inaugural Walter Cup with Minnesota. Beyond that she has found ways to contribute on the backend with a career high 22 blocks last season. 

Also on the front end is Izzy Daniel who brought energy on the front-end. Daniel came to the Goldeneyes after her rookie season in Toronto where she seemed to have split into the background. But in Vancouver the opposite was true with Daniel coming alive on offence with 7 goals this season, compared to just 2 in her rookie year. 

Then on the backend is Captain Ashton Bell who brings leadership and National Team experience to a young Goldeneyes team. We’ve seen throughout the PWHL’s first three seasons that veteran presence is important. 

Also on the backend is Claire Thompson who was a favorite to be protected, however there seems to be uncertainty around her future in the PWHL and is weighing her options about finishing her medical degree. Thompson was a standout all season alongside D-parter Sophie Jaques leading the Goldeneyes on offence, reuniting the pair would be a strong decision for Vancouver, but it seems to be out of their hands with Thompson weighing her options as a free-agent. The uncertainty around her future in the league was probably a key factor in the expansion teams not pursuing her in Phase 2.

There are also lots of other options for the Goldeneyes to consider such as rookie Anna Segedi, Hannah Miller, Jenn Gardiner, and Tereza Vanisová. 

Stay tuned for more expansion news as Phase 3 opens today.