LAS VEGAS — As excitement builds across Southern Nevada, PWHL Las Vegas has made a commanding statement ahead of its inaugural 2026-2027 season by signing elite talent to its roster. The club has officially brought on defender Erin Ambrose, forward Hayley Scamurra, and forward Hilary Knight, setting the stage for high-level women’s hockey in the region.

Ambrose and Scamurra Bring Championship Pedigree

Erin Ambrose and Hayley Scamurra arrive in Las Vegas after standout seasons with Montréal Victoire, where they played pivotal roles in capturing the team’s first Walter Cup title in 2026. Both signings, made via Standard Player Agreements, secure their presence with the club for several years. Ambrose has committed through the 2027-2028 season, while Scamurra’s contract extends through 2028-2029.

Defensive Powerhouse: Erin Ambrose

Awarded the PWHL’s 2024 Defender of the Year, Ambrose is widely recognized as one of the league’s premier blue-liners. Her leadership and puck-moving skill were instrumental in Montréal Victoire’s title run and she brings a wealth of experience to PWHL Las Vegas. Ambrose is also a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and the Walter Cup, underlining her elite status in international and professional women’s hockey.

Scamurra’s Unique Feat

Scamurra, renowned for her offensive instinct and two-way play, made history as the first player to secure both Olympic gold and the Walter Cup in the same season. Her performance last year was critical to her team’s success, and her arrival in Las Vegas solidifies the club’s intent to compete at the highest level from day one. Like Ambrose, Scamurra is also a Triple Gold Club honoree, adding further championship experience to the roster.

Knight Joins Expansion Roster

In addition to these signings, the club has acquired five-time U.S. Olympian Hilary Knight through a one-year Expansion Foundational Offer. Known for her leadership as the former captain of Boston and Seattle Torrent, Knight’s signing gives the city a recognizable name in the women’s game. However, reports indicate she may soon be traded to Detroit, suggesting additional roster moves are on the horizon in the evolving women’s hockey landscape.

Depth and Defensive Additions

PWHL Las Vegas has also secured defenders Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper from Minnesota Frost. These acquisitions further strengthen the roster’s defensive unit, providing a depth chart built to withstand the rigors of a professional women’s hockey season. Local fans can anticipate these new players contributing both on and off the ice as the team integrates with community initiatives and the region’s growing hockey culture.

Looking Ahead: PWHL Draft and Expansion Signing Phase

With the PWHL draft set for June 17 in Detroit, Las Vegas will have additional opportunities to add emerging talent. Phase 3 of the expansion signing process begins June 10, allowing teams to build depth and finalize their lineups. As the expansion club continues to shape its roster, eyes across Las Vegas will be on these key dates, anticipating the next moves in a fiercely competitive league.

Impact on Las Vegas and the Women’s Hockey Community

The assembly of such high-profile talent positions PWHL Las Vegas as a significant force in women’s hockey. Supporters from across the region are rallying behind the team, eager to witness championship-caliber play on local ice. The presence of athletes with records in the Triple Gold Club and a history of Olympic gold not only boosts the team’s prospects but highlights Las Vegas as a new epicenter for elite women’s sports.

Strengthening Roots for the Future

PWHL Las Vegas’s strategic signings and careful preparation for the PWHL draft reflect the organization’s commitment to competitive excellence and community engagement. As pre-season activities ramp up, the energy in Las Vegas continues to grow, with both seasoned and new hockey fans anticipating a memorable start to the city’s women’s professional hockey era.