2021-22 PHF Thread

[JMCx4]

@Roadhog kicks things off ...

Mark Joslin Appointed Head Coach Of The Toronto Six

Click to read more...

 

[JMCx4]

From: The National Women's Hockey League > News

NWHL INTERNATIONAL DRAFT DEBUTS JULY 25 ON TWITCH

June 4, 2021
by PAUL KROTZ
Inaugural Event Extends the League’s Reach Beyond North America

June 4, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The National Women’s Hockey League today announced details for the inaugural NWHL International Draft that will debut on Sunday, July 25. The historic single-round event will feature all six teams introducing their selections via Twitch online at twitch.tv/NWHL beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.

“The NWHL International Draft will help strengthen league talent and competitiveness while growing professional women’s hockey beyond our North American borders,” said Lisa Haley, the NWHL’s Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. “This is an event we hope develops over time with unique interest and exposure of our brand overseas and another opportunity to generate excitement for our fans.”

The draft is intended for players born outside of North America who are at least 21 years of age on or before September 1, 2021, and have not previously played in the NWHL or consumed any eligibility at the NCAA or U SPORTS level. Prior to the introduction of the NWHL International Draft, this eligibility description applied to all international free agents. The immediate revision has been approved by the Office of the Commissioner.

Players who are considered eligible for the 2021 NWHL International Draft may not officially sign as free agents ahead of the selection process, however, unselected players immediately qualify for free agency beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET on July 26. Teams will have a two-week window to exclusively sign their draft picks to contracts for the 2021-22 season. Any selected players who go unsigned in this timeframe will become eligible for free agency at 9:00 a.m. ET on August 9. ...

Read more at: NWHL INTERNATIONAL DRAFT DEBUTS JULY 25 ON TWITCH

 

[JMCx4]

From: The National Women's Hockey League > News

2021 NWHL DRAFT RECAP
June 29, 2021
by Paul Krotz

Forward Taylor Girard Headlines List of 30 Players Selected by NWHL Clubs

June 29, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The National Women’s Hockey League today announced the results of the 2021 NWHL Draft featuring collegiate graduates from across North America. A total of 30 players were selected by the league’s six member clubs over the five-round process and were introduced live on Twitch for the first time in league history.

The 2021 NWHL Draft Show hosted by Erica Ayala and Katie Gaus with interviews from players and staff from across the NWHL in addition to all 30 pick announcements can be replayed at twitch.tv/NWHL. ...

Forward Taylor Girard, who scored 16 points in 15 games this season for Quinnipiac University, was selected first overall by the Connecticut Whale who opened the draft for the first time in franchise history. ...

Defender Emilie Harley, the sister of Dallas Stars prospect Thomas Harley, was chosen second overall by the Beauts and was the first of a draft-high three players to come from Robert Morris University just weeks after the announced cancellation of the school’s hockey programs. ...

Vancouver native Maegan Beres who captained Boston College this past season rounds out the draft’s top three and was the first of a trio of consecutive picks made by the Toronto Six in the first round. ...

Read more at: 2021 NWHL DRAFT RECAP

 

[JMCx4]

From: The National Women's Hockey League > News

2021 NWHL INTERNATIONAL DRAFT RECAP

July 25, 2021
by Paul Krotz

Swedish Goaltender Lovisa Berndtsson Makes History as First Overall Pick

July 25, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The National Women’s Hockey League today announced the results of the 2021 NWHL International Draft where six players from five different countries were picked by the league’s six-member clubs. ...

The Buffalo Beauts made the historic first overall pick in the very first NWHL International Draft and selected Swedish goaltender Lovisa Berndtsson. The 32-year-old from Stockholm has played the past six seasons with Djurgårdens IF in the SDHL and posted a 1.96 goals-against-average and .903 save percentage in 22 appearances during the 2020-21 campaign. ...

With the second overall pick, the Connecticut Whale selected Japanese forward Tsubasa Sato who is the captain of the Karuizawa Fairies. She famously raised awareness for women’s hockey as one of the stars on the popular Japanese Reality TV program Terrace House: Opening New Doors. The 28-year-old amassed nine points in seven games last season and could become just the second Japanese player to compete in the NWHL following goaltender Nana Fujimoto who was a member of the Riveters during the league’s debut season. ...

2014 Olympic bronze medalist Evelina Raselli was chosen third overall by the Boston Pride and could become the first player from Switzerland to compete in the NWHL. The 29-year-old forward also won bronze at the 2012 IIHF World Women’s Championship and is a five-time SWHL A Champion including 2020-21 with Ladies Team Lugano where she scored 33 points in 20 regular-season games. ...

NWHL clubs have a two-week window to exclusively sign their draft picks to 2021-22 contracts. Unselected international players immediately qualify for free agency beginning July 26 at 9:00 a.m. ET, with any unsigned, picks becoming eligible for free agency on August 9 beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. ...

A full replay of the 2021 NWHL International Draft Show can be viewed at twitch.tv/NWHL. ..

Read more & See the Full List of International Draftees at: 2021 NWHL INTERNATIONAL DRAFT RECAP

 

[JMCx4]

Now to the heart of things ...

From: The National Women's Hockey League > News

NWHL ANNOUNCES 2021-22 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

August 5, 2021
by Paul Krotz

Season 7 Features 60 Games Beginning November 6, 2021

August 5, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The countdown to Season 7 is officially underway with the National Women’s Hockey League announcing its full 2021-22 regular-season schedule. A total of 60 games will be played over a 19-week period with all six teams competing 20 times including 10 home and 10 away contests balanced evenly with four games against each opponent.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2021-22 NWHL SCHEDULE

... The puck drops on Saturday, November 6, 2021, with all six teams in action to launch opening weekend. The first three games of the new campaign include a rematch of the Isobel Cup Championship Final between the Boston Pride and the visiting Minnesota Whitecaps, while the Buffalo Beauts host the Toronto Six, and the Metropolitan Riveters take on the visiting Connecticut Whale. ...

Read more at:
NWHL ANNOUNCES 2021-22 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

 

[JMCx4]

Twitter path to 2021-22 Team Schedules ...

 

[Roadhog]

Toronto Six Sign Goaltender Tera Hofmann

 

[Roadhog]

Toronto Six Sign Defender Taylor Davison, First Round NWHL Draft Pick

 

[JMCx4]

From: The National Women's Hockey League > News

AUGUST’S ROSTER ADDITIONS

September 1, 2021
by Paul Krotz

It was the busiest month of the 2021-22 off-season so far with 34 player signings announced in August. This brings the league’s confirmed contract total to 89 for Season 7 which begins on November 6.

The defending Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride broke their summer silence in a dramatic fashion by announcing the majority of their roster at a local event. 18 players are now under contract including 14 returnees in McKenna Brand, Paige Capistran, Sammy Davis, Jillian Dempsey, Kaleigh Fratkin, Victoria Hanson, Lauren Kelly, Meghara McManus, Christina Putigna, Jenna Rheault, Lovisa Selander, Mallory Souliotis, Tori Sullivan, and Taylor Wenczkowski. The club also welcomes back Kaitlin Burt, newcomer Abby Cook, plus free agent acquisitions Kayla Friesen and Katelynn Russ.

The Buffalo Beauts now have a total of 23 players rostered for the upcoming season with the August acquisitions of free agents Grace Klienbach and Jenna Suokko. The club had previously announced 10 signings in July along with seven in June and four in May.

The Connecticut Whale have 17 players committed with six of those signings announced in August. That group includes returnees Kaycie Anderson, Taylor Marchin, and Janine Weber, plus NWHL Draft pick Hannah Bates, newcomer Catherine Crawley, and free-agent Rebecca Morse. The Pod had previously announced five signings in July, five in June, and one in May.

The Metropolitan Riveters have announced a total of 16 inked contracts thus far including four in August with returnees Brooke Avery and Rebecca Russo, plus free agents Rachael Ade and Lenka Čurmová. In July the team signed 11 of their players plus one in June.

The Toronto Six added four more players in August to bring their roster total to 15. The latest list includes returnees Brooke Boquist and Amy Curlew, NWHL Draft pick Taylor Davison, and free-agent Tera Hofmann. The second-year club also announced four signings in July, five in June, and two in May.

The Minnesota Whitecaps have yet to formally announce any player signings.

Here’s a detailed summary of the players added to NWHL rosters throughout August ...

Read the newly signed Player Profiles at: NWHL August Roster Additions

 

[Atlantian]

I do not think I will ever understand this league
NWHL rebrands to Premier Hockey Federation entering seventh year - Sportsnet.ca

 

[JMCx4]

Guess we need a Mod to change the Thread Title to "2021-22 PHF Thread" (ETA: And change the Forum Title). So we now have Fed 2.0. I wish them better luck than the Fed 1.0 & 1.1.

 

[JMCx4]

League press release: NWHL REBRANDS AS PREMIER HOCKEY FEDERATION

 

[CrazyEddie20]

I suspect this is part of a plan to take the prior business organization through bankruptcy and start fresh without certain financial obligations the league may have incurred... I'll be watching the bankruptcy filings.

 

[JMCx4]

I suspect this is part of a plan to take the prior business organization through bankruptcy and start fresh without certain financial obligations the league may have incurred... I'll be watching the bankruptcy filings.

So they ARE The Fed 2.0!

 

[Atlantian]

So they ARE The Fed 2.0!

The Fed might have gotten better TV ratings

 

[Atlantian]

That was fast. The admins already renamed our forum.

 

[JMCx4]

That was fast. The admins already renamed our forum.

All you gotta do is ask nicely. It's an otherwise thankless job.

 

[JMCx4]

The Fed might have gotten better TV ratings

I'd lay even money that the NWHL got more viewership per game for the free Twitch webcasts of their "bubble season" matches than the FPHL drew for their free You Tube games last season. But comparing over-ripe peaches to rotten apples doesn't do either basket of fruits justice.

 

[JMCx4]

From: The Premier Hockey Federation

PHF ANNOUNCES COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

September 10, 2021
by Paul Krotz

Full Vaccination Required for all PHF Members during 2021-22 Season

September 10, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The Premier Hockey Federation has announced its COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols for the 2021-22 season that includes the adoption of a full vaccination policy for its members. ...

The Federation’s full vaccination requirement for participation during Season 7 applies to a group that includes players, coaches, officials, staff in both full-time and part-time capacities, volunteers, and rink partners who may come in contact with each other on a daily or weekly basis. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final dose of any COVID-19 vaccine either fully approved or approved for emergency use authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada. Medical and religious exemptions to vaccination will be considered on an individual basis by the Commissioner’s Office. ...

A full copy of 2021-22 PHF Health & Safety Protocols is available online at nwhl.zone/covid-19.

The PHF season begins Saturday, November 6, 2021, with all six teams in action. COVID-19 protocols pertaining to fan attendance during the 2021-22 PHF season will be announced at a later date. ...

Read more at: PHF ANNOUNCES COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

 

[Roadhog]

Building quite the roster up here.

https://toronto.nwhl.zone/news/toro...srgI4gkfCo7yhbG6C8I8-cfEMc9phNtTDcP7kzx75DAcg

 

[JMCx4]

Motivated by @Roadhog's post above ...

SEPTEMBER’S PHF PLAYER SIGNINGS

October 1, 2021
by PAUL KROTZ

As summer fades to fall it’s almost time for the 2021-22 Premier Hockey League season with another 13 players solidifying their contract status in September. With training camps on the horizon, a total of 101 athletes have formally been announced as part of the new era that will hit the ice on November 6.

The Boston Pride have 20 players under contract to help defend their Isobel Cup title including free agent acquisition Amanda Boulier and International Draft pick Evelina Raselli. The pair joins the list of 18 players announced in August with a group that features 14 returnees.

The Buffalo Beauts roster stands at 23 with veteran Elena Orlando recently signed to a free-agent contract. The club had previously announced a pair of players on board in August, 10 in July, seven in June, and four in May. Lisa Chesson was signed to a 2021-22 contract but has opted out of Season 7.

The Connecticut Whale did not announce any new signings in September but have a roster of 17 based on six contract commitments in August, five in July, five in June, and one in May.

Metropolitan Riveters training camp begins with a roster of 18 signed contracts including returnee Kelly Babstock and International Draft pick Romana Košecká. Four players had previously been announced in August, 11 in July, and one in June.

The Minnesota Whitecaps started their signing announcements in September naming five so far like returnees Jonna Curtis, Audra Morrison and Allie Thunstrom, along with free agent Ashleigh Brykaliuk and first-round NWHL Draft pick Mak Langei.

The Toronto Six inked three more contracts in September to bring their roster to 18. Returnee Sarah Steele along with newcomer Cristine Chao and Taylor Day make up the latest additions. Four others joined in August, four in July, five in June, and two in May.

Here’s a detailed summary of the players added to NWHL rosters throughout September ...

Read Player Profiles at: https://www.nwhl.zone/news/september-s-phf-player-signings

 

[JMCx4]

From: The Premier Hockey Federation

PHF UPDATES TRANSGENDER AND NON-BINARY INCLUSION POLICY

October 15, 2021
by Paul Krotz

Policy Enhanced in Partnership with Athlete Ally and Chris Mosier

October 15, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) - The Premier Hockey Federation today announced an updated Transgender and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy that is effective immediately for the 2021-22 season. The federation’s policy was enhanced with consultation from Athlete Ally, a non-profit LGBTQI+ athletic advocacy group focused on making athletic communities more inclusive and less discriminatory, and Chris Mosier, a transgender hall of fame triathlete, All-American duathlete, 6-time member of Team USA, and the founder of TransAthlete.com. ...

The PHF announced the launch of its community partnership with Athlete Ally and Chris Mosier in June. In addition to consultation on PHF policy, Anne Lieberman, Athlete Ally’s Director of Policy & Programs, and Chris Mosier will provide virtual training on transgender and non-binary inclusion for PHF board of governors, executives and front office staff, coaches, and for players on all six teams. This training will raise individual awareness on complex issues, recognize opportunities to build inclusive policy frameworks, and to respectfully administer the league’s standards. They will also help players looking for additional support and training in using their platforms to support transgender and non-binary inclusion in sport.

The following is the complete policy excerpted from the PHF Bylaws and may also be viewed online at https://www.nwhl.zone/phf-transgender-and-non-binary-policy. ...

Read more at: https://www.nwhl.zone/news/phf-updates-transgender-and-non-binary-inclusion

 

[JMCx4]

Playing catch-up (me AND them) ...

PREMIER HOCKEY FEDERATION ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH ESPN+

October 20, 2021
by PAUL KROTZ

October 20, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The Premier Hockey Federation announced today it has reached an agreement that makes ESPN+ the exclusive home of the PHF in the United States during the upcoming 2021-22 season. 60 PHF regular-season games, plus special events, Isobel Cup Playoffs and Championship, will be available to stream live, exclusively on ESPN+ for fans in the U.S.

The PHF season begins Saturday, November 6, with all six teams in action on Opening Weekend, including a rematch of last year’s Isobel Cup final between the Minnesota Whitecaps and the 2021 champion Boston Pride. The federation’s 60 regular-season games will be played over a 19-weekend period with all six teams competing 20 times. The schedule for each team is balanced evenly, with 10 home and 10 away contests, and four games against each opponent.

The season also includes a special outdoor game at Buffalo RiverWorks on Monday, February 21, when the Buffalo Beauts host the Toronto Six. ...

Read more at: PREMIER HOCKEY FEDERATION ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH ESPN+

 

[JMCx4]

And BTW, the NWHL.zone url has finally been replaced by Home - PREMIER HOCKEY FEDERATION. The brand now has a foothold (in a skate) in the hockey landscape.

 

[royals119]

Obviouly don't know the financials, but being on ESPN+ vs streaming on Twitch in the past is a big upgrade in how they will be perceived - particularly with the NHL on ESPN+, maybe some people will be exposed to the league just because they are searching for hockey games on that platorm.