Two-Time Walter Cup Champion Joins Expansion Team Ahead of 2025-26 Season
VANCOUVER, BC – PWHL Vancouver has officially signed Sophie Jaques to a three-year contract, securing the standout defender through the 2027-28 season. Jaques, a finalist for the 2025 Defender of the Year award and two-time Walter Cup champion with the Minnesota Frost, becomes the second player to join Vancouver’s expansion roster.
A Key Addition to Vancouver’s Blue Line
Vancouver General Manager Cara Gardner Morey praised Jaques’ impact, stating:
“Vancouver fans are going to quickly fall in love with everything that Sophie brings to her game. Sophie is a proven winner, and that experience will be instrumental in shaping our foundation from the blue line. She is a dynamic defender with world-class speed and skill, and a player I believe is only scratching the surface of her potential.”
Jaques’ Impressive Career
Jaques was a top-performing defender throughout her time with Minnesota, posting:
- 22 points (7G, 15A) in 25 regular-season games, tying for the lead among defenders in scoring.
- Seven playoff points (2G, 5A) in eight games, ranking second among all skaters in postseason scoring.
- A career points-per-game average of 0.68, ranking second among all PWHL defenders.
- 13 playoff points, ranking third among all postseason performers.
Originally selected 10th overall by Boston in the inaugural PWHL Draft, Jaques made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the 2024 PWHL All-Rookie Team.
Collegiate & International Success
Before turning pro, Jaques had a standout NCAA career at Ohio State University, where she:
- Won the National Championship in 2022.
- Received the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2023.
- Represented Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, earning silver in Czechia.
Excited for a New Chapter in Vancouver
Jaques shared her enthusiasm for joining Vancouver, stating:
“I’m incredibly honored to sign with PWHL Vancouver and help lay the foundation for something truly special in this city. Being part of this historic moment means so much, and I can’t wait to get started and represent Vancouver with pride in this vibrant and hockey-loving community. I want to thank the Minnesota Frost for the opportunity the past two seasons, and I am so proud of the work we did to win two championships. I am looking forward to meeting all the fans in Vancouver and to being a part of spreading the PWHL out West!”
Vancouver’s Expansion Roster Takes Shape
Jaques joins Vancouver’s defensive core alongside Claire Thompson, her former Minnesota teammate, who signed earlier today.
Next Steps – 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft
Expansion teams have until Sunday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET to sign a maximum of five players before the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft, presented by Upper Deck, takes place on Monday, June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch the live draft via thepwhl.com and the league’s YouTube channel, where Seattle and Vancouver will each select at least seven additional players to complete their 12-player roster minimum.
