BREAKING: Sarah Nurse Officially Signs in Toronto

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Skyler Walker
September 6, 2023 (1:07 PM)

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Two prominent members of the Canadian women's national hockey team are set to make their mark in the newly formed Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

Marie-Philip Poulin Chooses Montreal

Marie-Philip Poulin, known as �Captain Clutch' for her knack for scoring critical goals in crucial moments, is on the verge of signing with Montreal. The 32-year-old Boston University graduate has played a pivotal role in Canada's six gold medals in international competitions, including two in 2022.

Sarah Nurse to Shine in Toronto

Sarah Nurse, a cornerstone of Canadian women's hockey, is poised to be among the first to sign with Toronto. In 2022, she set two Olympic records for the most points and assists in a single tournament. With three gold medals under her belt, Nurse has been a force in women's hockey.

Poulin will be joined in Montreal by goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens and forward Laura Stacey. Desbiens, 29, boasts three gold and three silver medals with Team Canada and participated in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game during a women's hockey showcase. Stacey, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, is another three-time gold medalist with Team Canada.

In Toronto, Nurse will share the ice with national team members Renata Fast and Blayre Turnbull. Fast, 28, previously played for the PWHPA team in Toronto and, along with Turnbull, has clinched three gold medals with the Canadian women's national team.

According to reports, Abby Roque and Alex Carpenter from the United States will be the first to sign with PWHL New York.

During the initial free agency period from September 1 to 10, each of the six PWHL teams can sign three players. Those not signed will be eligible for selection in a 15-round player draft scheduled for September 18.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ottawa franchise announced its first three signings: Forwards Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner, as well as goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer.