PWHL Vancouver officially has its first five players.
The team announced Thursday that forward Jenn Gardiner had signed a one-year contract.
The Surrey, B.C. native is a finalist for the PWHL Rookie of the Year and spent last season with the Montreal Victoire, who selected her 11th overall in the 2024 draft.
In 30 games with the Victoire, Gardiner scored five goals and registered 18 points. She added three assists in four playoff games.
“She is a player with experience building chemistry alongside some of the top players in the league and has been on an upward trajectory throughout her career," PHWL Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey said in a statement. "I can’t wait to see her thrive in front of her hometown fans."
Gardiner is the fifth and final player Vancouver is permitted to sign during the PWHL's exclusive signing window for expansion teams. She joins forward Sarah Nurse, defenders Sophie Jacques and Claire Thompson, and goalie Emerance Maschmeyer on Western Canada's first PWHL team.
The league's expansion draft takes place June 9.
The Victoire also lost defender Cayla Barnes to the Seattle expansion team. As a result of losing two players, Montreal was permitted to protect a fourth player and chose to protect Erin Ambrose in the expansion draft.
