PWHL Vancouver adds Gardiner on 1-year deal

PWHL Vancouver signed forward Jennifer Gardiner on a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

Gardiner, a British Columbia native, was the 11th overall pick by the Montreal Victoire in 2024. She was recently named a finalist for PWHL Rookie of the Year after notching 18 points in 30 games.

"Simply put, it's a dream come true," Gardiner said in a statement. "Ever since I was a little girl on the Surrey Falcons and Greater Vancouver Comets, I have wanted to play professional hockey for my hometown team. I am so excited to help build a legacy that makes other girls in British Columbia dream big, and I am thrilled to play in front of my friends and family again."

Vancouver has reached its maximum number of signings before the June 9 expansion draft. The club has also added Sarah Nurse, Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques, and Emerance Maschmeyer.

Montreal is now able to protect a fourth player after losing Gardiner to Vancouver and Cayla Barnes to Seattle. The Victoire already protected Marie-Phillip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renee Desbiens.