Vegas Bolsters Backend

Rebecca Labaj

PWHL expansion is well underway and the new teams are beginning to take shape, well other expansion teams focus on their offensive-core Vegas is taking a different approach building from the backend. 

In Phase 2 it was Vegas joining the party late with a pair of announcements as Frost defenders Kendall Cooper and Mae Batherson joined the squad. This was a smart move by Las Vegas bringing 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. 

Joining the d-pair was Walter Cup champion Erin Ambrose, who has been with Montreal since the inaugural season. Ambrose brings veteran experience to a young d-core anchoring the backend as Vegas looks to hit the ground running. 

Rounding out their Phase 2 signings was forward 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. Joining Vegas in their final slot was USA and Seattle Torrent Captain Hilary Knight, though there have been rumors that a trade is on the table with Detroit. After leading the USA to the Gold Medal, Knight had to take a backseat dealing with a lower-body injury, missing the later part of the season. 

So far in Phase 3 Vegas has continued to grow their backend signing defender 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. 

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. 

Vegas still has one spot left to fill in Phase 3 and with their backend already bolstered their focus should lie on the frontend as they look to build a championship team right out of the gate.