New York Sirens sign Lauren Bernard to standard contract

While it’s Trade Deadline week in the PWHL, an absent rookie has found a new home.

On Monday, the New York Sirens signed defender Lauren Bernard to a standard player agreement (SPA).

Bernard was originally taken in the fourth round of last year’s PWHL Draft by the Toronto Sceptres, starting the season on the main roster. However, when Natalie Spooner returned to the lineup, the Sceptres released Bernard to make way for the reigning MVP. That put Bernard on the team’s reserve list, making her eligible to be signed by any other PWHL team.

Sirens general manager Pascal Daoust admitted he’s had his eye on Bernard for some time.

“Lauren was a targeted player in the draft due to her skating abilities,” Daoust said in a release. “Both with and without the puck—her vision, and the experience she gained in her role with her championship team. As a rookie in the league, our plan is to give her the time and support she needs to develop while maintaining a high-caliber defensive core for the future.”

In order to make room for Bernard, New York had to release defender Olivia Knowles, a player they signed off Toronto’s reserve list back in December. Knowles didn’t register a point in 10 games with the Sirens. Her last appearance came on Feb. 26 in a loss to the Ottawa Charge.

Bernard played 15 games for the Sceptres before she was released. She picked up an assist in her second appearance against the Charge on Dec. 3. She averaged less than 10 minutes of ice time, posting a plus/minus of -2. The 23-year-old last saw game action on Feb. 1.

Prior to turning pro, Bernard had an exceptional NCAA career with the Clarkson Golden Knights and Ohio State Buckeys. She helped OSU win the two national championships in 2022 and 2023.

The Sirens (4-3-4-10) sit last in the PWHL, 13 points behind the Minnesota Frost for the last playoff spot.