Minnesota Frost defender Sophie Jaques PWHL

Report: PWHL Vancouver signs Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Tyler Kuehl | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 12:24 PM ET

Our first strike in the expansion process.

According to Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News, PWHL Vancouver has added the first two players to its roster, signing defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques. Both players were available to Vancouver during their exclusive signing period, during which they and Seattle have the first crack at signing players. Jaques and Thompson have one more year on their current contracts.

It’s a huge swing for Vancouver, adding two of the best defenders in the women’s game at both ends of the rink. Both Jaques and Thompson are two of the three finalists for the Defender of the Year award. Jaques finished tied with Toronto Sceptres blueliner and MVP candidate Renata Fast for the most points by a defender this season with 22 – although Jaques missed five games due to injury. Thompson finished third behind them with 18 points.

However, it’s a massive loss for the two-time Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost. The Frost made the decision to protect veteran defender Lee Stecklein, along with forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Taylor Heise, instead of their two star blueliners. While they have capable talent on the back end, none of which bring the same level of play that Jaques and Thompson possess.

Jaques has been a strong player since being acquired from Boston early in her rookie season. Under Ken Klee, the 2023 Patty Kazmaier Award winner’s game has flourished, making her an exciting player at both ends of the rink. The same goes for Thompson, who showed little rust after taking a year away from hockey to pursue her education.

Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey made a good move establishing the team’s back end with two excellent members.

Per the PWHL’s expansion rules, with the Frost having lost two players to expansion, they are allowed to protect a fourth player. Kennedy hinted that it could be rookie forward Britta Curl-Salemme, but it’s unconfirmed right now.

With two names on the books, Vancouver will be allowed to sign three more players during this period.

PWHL Seattle has reportedly not made any signings, yet. Both teams have until Sunday at 5 p.m. ET to have exclusive signing rights. The first-ever PWHL Expansion Draft is on Monday, June 9.