PWHL Vancouver signs Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques
Our first strike in the expansion process.
PWHL Vancouver has added the first two players to its roster, signing defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques. Both players were available to Vancouver during their exclusive signing period, during which they and Seattle have the first crack at signing players.
Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News was the first to report the signings.
Jaques was signed to a three-year contract, while Thompson is being brought in on a one-year deal.
It’s a huge swing for Vancouver, adding two of the best defenders in the women’s game at both ends of the rink. Both Jaques and Thompson are two of the three finalists for the Defender of the Year award. Jaques finished tied with Toronto Sceptres blueliner and MVP candidate Renata Fast for the most points by a defender this season with 22 – although Jaques missed five games due to injury. Thompson finished third behind them with 18 points.
“Being part of this historic moment means so much,” Jaques said in a release. “I can’t wait to get started and represent Vancouver with pride in this vibrant and hockey-loving community. I want to thank the Minnesota Frost for the opportunity the past two seasons, and I am so proud of the work we did to win two championships.”
“The opportunity to help build something special from the ground up is truly meaningful,” Thompson said. “I can’t wait to connect with the fans and represent this city.”
However, it’s a massive loss for the two-time Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost. The Frost made the decision to protect veteran defender Lee Stecklein, along with forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Taylor Heise, instead of their two star blueliners. While they have capable talent on the back end, none of which bring the same level of play that Jaques and Thompson possess.
Jaques has been a strong player since being acquired from Boston early in her rookie season. Under Ken Klee, the 2023 Patty Kazmaier Award winner’s game has flourished, making her an exciting player at both ends of the rink. The same goes for Thompson, who showed little rust after taking a year away from hockey to pursue her education.
Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey made a good move establishing the team’s back end with two excellent members.
Per the PWHL’s expansion rules, with the Frost having lost two players to expansion, they are allowed to protect a fourth player. The team elected to protect rookie forward Britta Curl-Salemme.
With two names on the books, Vancouver will be allowed to sign three more players during this period.
PWHL Seattle has reportedly not made any signings, yet. Both teams have until Sunday at 5 p.m. ET to have exclusive signing rights. The first-ever PWHL Expansion Draft is on Monday, June 9.