Final PHF Pre-Season Player Signings

November 5, 2021 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) News Release

Training camps have concluded, exhibition games have been played, and all Premier Hockey Federation clubs have announced their final free-agent signings ahead of the 2021-22 season. Throughout the month of October and the first week of November a total of 28 players had their participation confirmed and are poised to be part of the opening weekend action.

The Boston Pride and Buffalo Beauts have both been quiet since September having previously announced commitments from 20 and 23 players respectively.

The Connecticut Whale brought their roster up to 21 with four fall signings including returnees Amanda Conway and Shannon (Doyle) Turner, plus free agents Emily Fluke and Janka Hlinka.

The Metropolitan Riveters added free agent Rose Alleva out of training camp to bring their opening weekend roster to 19.

The Minnesota Whitecaps were by far the busiest of any organization this past month naming 19 players including returnees Stephanie Anderson, Winny Brodt Brown, Chelsey Brodt Rosenthal, Sara Bustad, Amanda Leveille, Meghan Lorence, Haley Mack, Lisa Martinson, Meaghan Pezon, Maddie Rowe, Haylea Schmid, Emma Stauber, and Brooke White-Lancette. They also added 2021 draft pick, Jenna Brenneman, a pair of 2020 picks in Patti Marshall and Alex Woken, plus free agents Lexie Laing, Nicole Schammel, and Taylor Turnquist. Their roster now stands at 24 having previously announced five players in September.

The Toronto Six rounded out their roster with four more newcomers including 2021 draft pick Annie MacDonald and free agents Michela Cava, Tori Charron, and Stephanie Sucharda. They've previously announced 18 signings bringing their roster up to 22.

Here's a detailed summary of the players added to PHF rosters throughout October and prior to November's puck drop:

Connecticut Whale

Amanda Conway | F

Forward Amanda Conway returns for her second season with the Whale after making her professional debut in Lake Placid scoring a goal and an assist in four games. She was the club's fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft from Norwich University.

"I'm so excited to be signing back with the Whale for my second season! I'm looking forward to being back with my teammates," said Conway. "[I] can't wait to for games to begin and being able to have fans back at the games will be electric."

Emily Fluke | F

Fan-favorite Emily Fluke is returning to the team she began her career with from 2017-19 by choosing to sign with the Whale as a free agent following a pair of seasons in Boston and Toronto. Her PHF career totals are 51 points over 61 games including 22 points in 32 games played with Connecticut.

"My first two years with the Whale were an incredible experience, so I am ecstatic and grateful to be back where my career started," said Fluke. "I have loved seeing what Colton and the staff have done with the Whale the past few seasons and am really looking forward to being a part of it. We have a really great group of returning players and new players to the league that I am excited to get things going with."

Janka Hlinka | F

Forward Janka Hlinka joins the PHF and the Whale after spending the last three seasons in Europe including two seasons in Sweden for Skellefteå AIK where she led the team in scoring both years. The Stratford, CT native has also represented Slovakia internationally and is a former teammate of Fluke's at Middlebury College.

"Growing up in Connecticut, this opportunity to put on the Whale jersey is truly an honor," said Hlinka. "After just a couple of skates it is apparent the talent and dedication this group has and I can't wait to grow with them."

Shannon Turner | D

Captain Shannon (Doyle) Turner has pushed back her retirement to play the seventh season with the Whale. She returns as the franchise leader in games played with 89, assists with 31, and points by a defender with 38 recorded over her popular tenure on the Pod.

"Season 7, not unlike Season 6, means a little extra to me and it is a dream come true to be able to wear the CT Whale crest for one more season," said Doyle-Turner. "The Whale organization and the PHF are taking such incredibly positive strides forward and to be a part of this momentum for another year is a true privilege. I am eager to go into battle with this group all season and bring the Isobel Cup to Connecticut."

Metropolitan Riveters

Rose Alleva | D

Defender Rose Alleva makes the move from Minnesota to Metropolitan for what will be her third PHF season. The free-agent acquisition helped the Whitecaps reach the Isobel Cup final both years she played including during the shortened Lake Placid campaign where she tallied one assist in four games.

Minnesota Whitecaps

Stephanie Anderson | F

The Whitecaps secured some depth at forward with the return of Stephanie Anderson to the fold. The 2021-22 season will mark the third PHF campaign for the 2015 IIHF World Championship gold medalist who made history representing Team USA while still a member of the Bemidji State program.

"I'm really looking forward to another great season with these girls playing in front of family, friends, and the best fans," said Anderson. "We cannot wait to see you at Tria this season."

Jenna Brenneman | G

Goaltender Jenna Brenneman, a 2021 Minnesota draft pick, has signed with the Whitecaps for the 2021-22 season. The Eagan, MN native was selected in the fourth round after splitting her NCAA career between Clarkson University and Penn State where she tied the program's single-season shutout record with four during her junior year.

"It was an honor to be drafted by my hometown team and to be given the chance to continue my career after college!" said Brenneman. "I can't wait to get the season started!"

Winny Brodt Brown | D

Defender Winny Brodt Brown is perhaps the most iconic player in Whitecaps history. The current team captain has been part of the program since its pre PHF inception and over the last three seasons has won an Isobel Cup and helped her squad reach the finals the next two seasons with 38 games and seven points to her credit.

"[I'm] looking forward to a great season with my teammates and having our fans back in TRIA!" said Brodt-Brown on her re-signing.

Chelsey Brodt Rosenthal | D

Defender Chelsey Brodt Rosenthal is another franchise cornerstone who joins her sister Winny on the blue line again this season. She'll be suiting up for her 15th season with the organization and fourth in the PHF where she's tallied seven assists in 40 career regular-season games.

"Practices are in full swing and I'm excited for a more normal season playing in front of our great fans again at TRIA rink!'" said Brodt-Rosenthal.

Sara Bustad | D

Defender Sara Bustad returns to the Whitecaps blue line for her second straight season and third in the PHF. She began her career as a member of the Beauts in 2019-20 contributing 11 points in 23 games, then suited up for all four of Minnesota's games during the shortened 2021 campaign.

"I'm so excited to be a part of the Whitecaps organization for another season!" said Bustad. "There's nothing better than still being able to play the sport I love at this high of a level for the state of Minnesota. I can't wait to get started."

Lexie Laing | D

Forward Lexie Laing will don a new sweater in her third PHF season making the move from Boston to Minnesota. The 2021 Isobel Cup champion has scored at almost a point-per-game pace through two seasons with 30 points including 13 goals in 31 career games.

"I am very excited to be joining the Whitecaps this season. The players are extremely talented and I can't wait to play with them and get to know them," said Laing. "It will be a great opportunity to play for the State of Hockey and make them proud!"

Amanda Leveille | G

Minnesota's rock-in-net will be back for another season. 2021-22 will be Amanda Leveille's fourth with the Whitecaps and sixth overall in the PHF carrying a loaded resume that includes two Isobel Cup titles (2017 & 2019) and two Goaltender of the Year awards (2018 & 2021).

"I'm super excited to have the opportunity to play another season for the Minnesota Whitecaps. There's something so special about putting on the Whitecaps jersey and being a part of the amazing atmosphere at TRIA," said Leveille.

Meghan Lorence | F

Make it three straight seasons for Meghan Lorence as a member of the Whitecaps. After taking a four-year break after graduating from the University of Minnesota, the three-time NCAA champion has produced 25 points in 28 regular-season games.

"I'm thrilled to join the Minnesota Whitecaps for another season. We have a lot of unfinished business to take care of this season, as two years ago the Isobel Cup Final got canceled due to COVID and last year having a bubble season and coming up short in the finals," said Lorence. "We have a lot of fire built up and I'm excited to hit the ice this year with fans in the stands!"

Haley Mack | F

Forward Haley Mack is back for a second season in the PHF after scoring two goals and an assist in four regular-season games, plus a goal during playoff competition. With the Bemidji State Beavers, she produced 77 points in 132 total games before the Whitecaps selected her in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.

"I am excited to play another year with the Whitecaps," said Mack. "I can't wait to experience the fans at Tria!"

Patti Marshall | D

Defender Patti Marshall joins the Whitecaps after a single SDHL season for Brynäs IF where she posted 13 points in 36 games. The University of Minnesota graduate and former Gophers and USA U18 captain was selected by her home state PHF team 11th overall in the 2020 draft.

"Being drafted last year was a huge honor, especially to stay in the State of Hockey in front of the best fans in the country," said Marshall on her signing. "(I'm) super excited to be a part of the PHF and get my rookie season started with the Whitecaps."

Lisa Martinson | D

Defender Lisa Martinson will once again patrol the blue line for the Whitecaps making it four straight seasons in the PHF. Her regular-season experience amounts to 21 games from 2018-20 collecting nine points, with last year's efforts coming entirely in the playoffs joining the club in Boston for both games.

"I am so happy to be back for another season with the Whitecaps. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best teammates both on and off the ice," said Martinson. "I can't wait for games to start and to be back at Tria again with the best fans supporting us!"

Meaghan Pezon | F

The Whitecaps are getting back one of their long-time members in Meaghan Pezon this season. This marks her eleventh consecutive year with the organization including fourth in the PHF where she's totaled 24 points in 37 games and was part of the Isobel Cup-winning team in 2019.

"I am so excited to be back for another season with the Whitecaps! It is going to feel like day one all over again with the excitement of getting to play in front of the best fans in the league again," said Pezon. "(I'm) looking forward to getting going again and competing for a chance at another Isobel Cup."

Maddie Rowe | D

Defender Maddie Rowe returns for a sophomore season in the PHF after making her pro debut in Lake Placid. The 2020 fifth-round pick of the Whitecaps was formerly a member of the Wisconsin Badgers where she won a national championship in 2019.

"I am so excited to be back with the Whitecaps for another season! It is an honor to represent the state of Minnesota at the professional level and be a part of a program that so many young female athletes look up to," said Rowe. "I can't wait to experience game days at TRIA with all of our amazing and electric fans."

Nicole Schammel | F

The Whitecaps are getting a familiar face back on their offense with the return of forward Nicole Schammel who was a member of the 2019-20 squad. During her rookie season, the Minnesota State University grad scored 25 points in 22 games, then spent last season with the PWHPA.

"(I'm) super excited to be back with the Whitecaps this season," said the Red Wing, MN native. "(I) can't wait for the season to start and to pursue bringing the Isobel Cup back to Minnesota! Go Caps!"

Haylea Schmid | F

Another member of the Whitecaps inaugural PHF unit and Isobel Cup championship team returns with the re-signing of Haylea Schmid. Over 33 regular-season games, the defensive forward has produced 15 points and also scored in the club's semifinal victory over Connecticut in March.

"I'm excited to be coming back to put a Whitecaps sweater on for another season and finally see fans in the stands again - we've missed them and they truly are the best in the league," said Schmid. "The atmosphere at Tria Rink and connecting with youth players that come to watch us truly is what gives me the inspiration to keep playing to push the boundaries for the future generation, so I can't wait to be back at Tria Rink and see you all soon!"

Emma Stauber | D

The Whitecaps are getting back a core member of their defense with Emma Stauber extending her PHF career to a fourth straight season. The 2019 Isobel Cup champion and former University of Minnesota-Duluth captain has been a steady presence on the blue line with nine points over 30 total games to date.

"I'm excited to be back with the Whitecaps and look forward to the season! It seems like forever since we last played in front of our fans here at TRIA and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again," said Stauber on her return.

Taylor Turnquist | D

After winning an Isobel Cup title last season with the Pride, defender Taylor Turnquist is taking her talents to the Whitecaps. The Blaine, MN native was also a two-time NCAA champion at Clarkson University before being selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.

"I am so excited to sign with the Whitecaps and be back in Minnesota playing for my hometown team," said Turnquist. "There's nothing better than playing in the State of Hockey and I can't wait to hit the ice and get the season started!"

Brooke White-Lancette | D

Defender Brooke White-Lancette has been a member of the Whitecaps since the program's inception in 2004 making the 2021-22 campaign her 18th consecutive and fourth in the PHF. The veteran won an Isobel Cup title in 2019 and five points to her credit over 16 regular-season games.

"Thank you to the Minnesota Whitecaps organization and the PHF for this amazing opportunity not only to play the game we all love but to inspire the next generation to continue their passion toward living out their dream as I continue living mine," said White-Lancette. "I can't wait to get back on the ice with my teammates, hear the best fans and be back in TRIA Rink for season 7."

Alex Woken | F

The fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft is ready to make her PHF debut. Alex Woken has signed with the Whitecaps after a season with Mad Dogs Mannheim in the Frauen-Bundesliga where she averaged over a point-per-game. She was a teammate of Marshall's with Team USA and at Minnesota tallying 75 points in 128 career games.

"I signed with the Whitecaps because I wanted to continue to play hockey at a high level," said Woken. "The atmosphere at their home games seems amazing and I can't wait to be back in front of fans."

Toronto Six

Michela Cava | F

The Six found some offensive firepower through free agency by signing forward Michela Cava. Although this is her first PHF season she's a six-year pro having spent the last four years in Sweden amassing an impressive 230 points including 104 goals between MODO Hockey, Brynäs IF, and Luleå HF.

"First off, I'm very excited to sign a contract with the Six, being able to be back in Canada and close to family and friends for the first time in two years," Cava said. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to join the team for the next few months to grow both as a player and person. It's an amazing coaching staff and I think it will be an excellent way to develop my game. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting on the ice!"

Tori Charron | F

Free-agent Tori Charron joins the Six for her first season of professional hockey after last playing competitively with the Norwich Cadets in 2013-14. Back then she was a two-time ECAC Player of the Year and an East Region First Team All-American recording 157 points over 110 career contests.

"I never really entertained the idea of playing pro after I graduated," the forward said. "Mark approached me, and it was kind of out of the blue, and I didn't even know he was watching me play at the time. It was one of those moments where I was like, "well, I could take this opportunity", and I didn't really think there were any cons to it, all pros. I think it's a really cool opportunity, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

Annie MacDonald | F

Forward Annie MacDonald joins the Six after being selected by the club with the ninth overall pick in June's draft. The product of Princeton University played in 103 career contests for the Tigers where she recorded 13 points over three seasons before COVID-19 cancellations.

"I think it's really important because one, Toronto is the only Canadian team that the PHF has at the moment, so I think it's really important to show little girls and everyone aspiring to play professional hockey that it is possible within Canada and you can get there," she said.

Stephanie Sucharda | D

Another Prince University alumna has joined the Six with defender Stephanie Sucharda signing her first professional contract with her hometown team. She played her final two seasons for the Tigers with MacDonald ending in 2018-19 with a 12-point campaign to bring her collegiate totals to 62 points in 131 games.

"I think this will provide a great opportunity for me to get back into competing at a high level, while also having a full-time professional career. Being able to balance the two is very important to me, and the Six is very supportive of that balanced experience," says Sucharda.

The salary cap for the 2021-22 season has been announced as $300,000 per team which is the highest in league history. Financial terms of individual player contracts will not be disclosed.

• Discuss this story on the Premier Hockey Federation message board...

Premier Hockey Federation Stories from November 5, 2021

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.