PWHL Boston signs Sophie Shirley, Emma Buckles to one-year deals

Boston’s PWHL franchise signed two players on Thursday afternoon, one being a Patty Kazmaier nominee and three-time national champion.

Sophie Shirley, a product of the University of Wisconsin, was signed to a one-year deal. In five seasons with Wisconsin, Shirley scored 81 goals and 108 assists for 189 points.

She helped the team win a national titles in 2019, 2021 and 2023. She was twice named a finalist for the Patty Kazamaier Award as the NCAA’s top player.

In 2018, she played one season in the CWHL with the Calgary Inferno, scoring eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 26 games, earning that season’s Rookie of the Year.

Boston also signed defenseman Emma Buckles to a one-year deal. The 24-year-old spent last season with the PWHPA. In four seasons with the Harvard Crimson, Buckles recorded 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points. She also represented Canada at the U-18 tournament in 2017.

New York signs Brooke Hobson

New York’s PWHL franchise signed defender Brooke Hobson to a one-year contract. Hobson was New York’s eighth round pick, taken 45th overall in the PWHL Draft. The 24-year-old spent last season with MoDo of the Sweden’s SDHL and was named Defender of the Year.

Hobson had spent five seasons with Northeastern University, captaining the team for her final two seasons. During her time there, she recorded 21 goals and 77 assists for 98 points.

Ottawa signs Kristin Della Rovere

Ottawa was able to sign forward Kristin Della Rovere to a one-year deal. The 22-year-old scored 56 goals and 122 points in four seasons with Harvard, captaining her senior season.

Toronto signs Rebecca Leslie

Toronto signed forward Rebecca Leslie to a one-year deal. Leslie had spent the last four seasons with the PWHPA and one with the Calgary Inferno of the CWHL, winning a Clarkson Cup in 2018-19.

She played four years with Boston University, captaining her senior year, recording 69 goals and 102 assists for 171 points during her time.