(WXYZ) — PWHL Detroit has added another Michigander, signing forward Shiann Darkangelo to a two-year contract after. She's the first player signed during phase 4 of the PWHL expansion process.
Darkangelo, 32, was part of the Walter Cup-winning Montreal Victoire last season, and had four goals and four assists in 30 games, plus led the team in faceoff wins and total faceoffs. In all, she has 26 points in 83 regular season games.
Watch below: Our interview with Shiann Darkangelo ahead of the PWHL Takeover Tour game at Little Caesars Arena in March 2026
Detroit also signed defender Nina Jobst-Smith to a one-year deal. She was on the Vancouver Goldeneyes last year and was drafted 19th overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft. She finished the year with three assists in 20 games after starting the season on long-term injured reserve.
They also signed defender Sydney Bard to a two-year deal. Bard had two assists with the Vancouver Goldeneyes last season.
She becomes the eighth player on the all-new PWHL Detroit team. Detroit signed Daryl Watts, Britta Curl-Salemme, Jesse Compher, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes in the second phase.
Related:Watch below: PWHL Detroit players & GM speak after end of expansion phase two
The team also has an agreement in place to trade for former Seattle and Team USA Captain Hilary Knight. Knight was officially signed by PWHL Las Vegas during phase two.
However, the Associated Press reported that PWHL Detroit has a sign-and-trade deal in place where Knight will come to Detroit and PWHL Las Vegas will get Detroit's first round draft pick. The deal won’t become official until the PWHL’s trade freeze lifts on June 16, a day before the draft.