PWHL Vancouver Signs Claire Thompson

PWHL Vancouver made an immediate splash on the first day of the expansion teams' exclusive signing window, inking defender Claire Thompson to a one-year contract. Thompson is coming off a Walter Cup championship with the Minnesota Frost just over a week ago and is a finalist for the PWHL Defender of the Year award.

Thompson, 27, is fresh off a productive first season in the league. She notched 18 points in 30 regular season games, then added six assists during the playoffs. Alongside Lee Stecklein and Sophie Jaques, Thompson was among the Frost's leaders in ice time (22:12). It was an especially impressive season for her, considering she took last season off and is currently in medical school while playing professional hockey.

Thompson was drafted third overall by Minnesota in 2024. She was eligible for protection but was left exposed by the Frost, who elected to protect defender Lee Stecklein and forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Taylor Heise.

Cara Gardner Morey, general manager of PWHL Vancouver, called Thompson "one of the best defenders in the world" and "a phenomenal leader who will help create a culture of excellence in Vancouver."

Gardner Morey previously coached Thompson at Princeton.

The exclusive signing window for PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle continues until 5 p.m. EST on June 8. Each team can sign up to five players during that time.