PWHL

Player Signings: The Frenzy Hits the PHF

- by Beth Bolger
 

After a slow first week of PHF Free Agency, this weekend showed an uptick in announcements of player signings. At publishing, four players have signed deals, including what is being reported as the largest PHF contract in league history. So, what players have signed? What moves have been made? And what homecoming is happening in the league? Let’s dive in and see what transactions happened this weekend.

A Strong Blueline is Developing in Buffalo

Jess Healey in an HV71 jersey in the SDHL.
Jess Healey during her time with the HV71 in the SDHL.

The Buffalo Beauts announced Friday that they had signed PHF newcomer Jess Healey to a two-year deal. Jess will make her PHF debut this season after three years overseas with HV71 in the SDHL. While there, her stats weren’t just good, they were insanely impressive. In three seasons, she collected 79 points (21 goals, 58 assists) in 105 games. With this move, the Beauts blueline just got a lot stronger for Season 8.

Jess even had some exciting words to share with Beauts Nation:

However, Buffalo wasn’t done with the signings though, so who is joining Jess and the Beauts?

Inked: An MVP Makes Her Return

Mikyla Grant-Mentis gives a fist bump while leaving the ice in Buffalo.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis in her first tenure with the Buffalo Beauts.

The whispers began this weekend, Mikyla Grant-Mentis was on the move and returning to Buffalo. Not only was she returning to Buffalo, she was going to be signing a massive deal worth a reported $100,000 CDN. This player signing made Mikyla the highest paid women’s hockey player to date. Though PHF salaries are not openly discussed, the salary reports were confirmed by multiple sources. On Monday, the rumors of her move became fact. MGM is making her return to Buffalo. Last season, Grant-Mentis had an impressive run. In 19 games, she had an impressive 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists). Finally, Grant-Mentis had a message for Beauts Nation regarding her return to Buffalo.

The Riveters Inked Two Returning Players

On Monday, the Metropolitan Riveters did not want to be left out of the action. They dropped not one, but two player signings. Returning on a two-year deal is Captain Madison Packer and on a one-year deal is Kendall Cornine.

Madison Packer

Packer, an original member of the New York Riveters, is returning for an impressive eighth and ninth season with the Riveters. Her statement after the signing proves why she is the perfect leader for this team.

Packer has played her entire NWHL/PHF career with one team, the Riveters. For five of the seven seasons played, she has worn a letter on her jersey. In her 107 NWHL/PHF games, Packer has an impressive 108 points (54 goals, 54 assists). She continues to produce at elite levels in the pro hockey space.

Kendall Cornine

Nicknamed ”Score-nine,” it is obvious why the Riveters brought her back for another season. The New Jersey native is an offensive powerhouse, scoring 10 goals and have 6 helpers in the 2021-2022 season. Drafted by the Riveters in 2018, she has been very vocal how happy she is to play in her home state and home team. In 49 pro games, Cornine has 23 goals and 18 assists (41 points).

Fans are still anxiously awaiting signings from the Minnesota Whitecaps, Connecticut Whale, and Boston Pride. What team drops the next player signing announcement?

Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of the PHF and women’s sports. Beth Bolger is available on Twitter and you can follow her there.

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About Beth Bolger

Growing up, every free moment I had was spent at an ice rink. When the Premier Hockey Federation came into existence, I knew I needed to support it however I could. I am here to provide the best women’s hockey coverage I can for the fans!

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