(Photo credit: JON RATHBUN / Herkimer Times Telegram / USA TODAY NETWORK)

PWHL Vancouver signed forward Michelle Karvinen to a one-year standard player agreement for the 2025-26 season. The four-time Olympian was selected seventh overall in June's PWHL Entry Draft.

'Michelle is a proven winner and hockey veteran with a wealth of experience, and we are excited to welcome a player of her calibre to PWHL Vancouver,' general manager Cara Gardner Morey said. 'Her leadership on and off the ice is going to be immensely important to the success of our team this season.'

Karvinen, 35, was born in Rodovre, Denmark, and represents Finland internationally. She debuted at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and owns three Olympic bronze medals. In April, while serving as captain, she became Finland's all-time leading scorer at the IIHF Women's World Championship with 62 points (24 goals, 38 assists).

Karvinen's won titles in four leagues: Finland's Auroraliiga (Espoo Blues, 2007-08 and 2008--09), Switzerland's SWHL (Ladies Team Lugano, 2020--21), Russia's ZhHL (KRS Vanke Rays, 2021--22) and Sweden's SDHL (three with Lulea, plus Frolunda HC in 2024--25). She produced 35 points (21G, 14A) in 32 games last season with Frolunda, adding 12 points (5G, 7A) in 11 playoff games.

'Joining Vancouver is like a full circle moment,' Karvinen said. 'Vancouver, you made my Olympic dream come true at the 2010 Olympics. Today you have once again made a dream come true. ... I feel very honoured to join the Vancouver and British Columbia community, to be part of raising the women's hockey bar even higher, and to be part of PWHL Vancouver from the very first puck drop.'

Karvinen is the first player ever drafted by Vancouver and the first player from the draft class to sign. PWHL Vancouver opens its inaugural season Nov. 21 at home against PWHL Seattle at Pacific Coliseum.

--Field Level Media