Four re-signings and one newcomer added to 2023-24 rosters
Premier Hockey Federation teams announced five more signings for the 2023-24 season during the week of June 19-25, including one newcomer and four players who are returning to their 2022-23 clubs.
The Buffalo Beauts have re-signed goaltender Lovisa Berndtsson and forward Madi Nichols, the Montreal Force signed goaltender Lauren Bench from MoDo Hockey, and the Toronto Six re-signed forwards Breanne Wilson-Bennett and Tereza Vanišová.
Lauren Bench has signed a one-year contract in Montreal after making her pro debut overseas last season. The goaltender is a graduate of @GopherWHockey where she posted a 1.98 GAA and .919 SV% in 2021-22.#PresentedByDiscoverpic.twitter.com/ishancnz16
— PHF (@PHF) June 23, 2023
Montreal’s acquisition of Bench following fellow free agent Corinne Schroeder completes the Force’s goaltending tandem for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old from Eagan, MN posted a 14-12-0 record during her first professional season in the SDHL with a goals-against-average of 2.29 and save percentage of .919. She began her NCAA career at Bemidji State University, then played her senior and graduate seasons at the University of Minnesota where she was a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic Team, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
“Lauren Bench is exactly what we were looking for. A person that’s willing to work hard and understand her role on the team,” said Kevin Raphaël, Force President. “Lauren had a great stint at the University of Minnesota and carried a MoDo team in her first season as a professional. We’re very happy to have her here and she could be one of the steals of PHF free agency.”
Lauren Bench has signed with the PHF’s @LaForceMontreal completing their goaltending tandem for the coming season. https://t.co/rDCxDgg1EF
— The Hockey News – Women’s (@TheHockeyNewsW) June 23, 2023
For Buffalo, Nichols returns on a one-year contract after making her professional debut last season. The Nazareth College graduate who hails from Trinity, FL was the youngest member of the Beauts at age 22. She registered three points in 22 games while playing primarily in a fourth-line role. Berndtsson will play a third straight season with the Beauts and her 17th overall at the professional level. At 34-years-old, the Stockholm, Sweden native is the team’s most experienced and a fan favorite who stepped into the starter’s role for much of last season while the team battled injuries between-the-pipes. She posted a 3.61 GAA, .893 SV% and won two of her 12 starts including a sensational 41-save performance on Pride Night at the Northtown Center against the Riveters. Her one-year contract includes a salary valued at $44,000.
“Ever since my first season in Buffalo I’ve felt at home and have really enjoyed my time,” said Berndtsson. “I’ve gained a lot of friends during my time here and I really want to keep being a part of the Beauts family. I feel like I’m coming in with some good performances from this past season, so I want to keep building off that. My focus is always to play as many games as possible but also be able to contribute with my experience routine. We’ve been struggling with the results for the past couple of seasons, and I feel like it’s time to change that.”
Proud to be representing the Beauts for another year! 💙 #gobeautshttps://t.co/dmzZk355el
— Lovisa Berndtsson (@LolloBerndtsson) June 20, 2023
In Toronto, Vanišová returns on a one-year deal after scoring the biggest goal in franchise history in overtime of the Isobel Cup Championship. It was a record third straight title for the 27-year-old All-Star from Strakonice, Czechia who had her best offensive season to date with 14 points in 24 games. The Olympian also delivered at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship where she finished tied for second in team scoring with four points in seven games and helped her country claim bronze. Wilson-Bennett is one of the original members of T6 and will return for a fourth straight season with the team. The 27-year-old from Markham, Ontario also had a career year in 2022-23 while serving as an alternate captain, producing 12 points in 24 games and another three points during the Isobel Cup Playoffs.
“For me, it was a no-brainer. I love playing in Toronto, I love being at home and playing in-front of my friends and family all the time. It’s just a great situation for me, and obviously we were a winning team last season,” said Wilson-Bennett. “With Mark Joslin coming back, I’m super excited to be playing for him again. I think he’s a great coach and a great hockey mind. Him along with Geraldine Heaney and Jess [Turi] will be a great trio to lead us again. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting back together with the returners and building again. It’s a new squad every year and it’s exciting to see the new pieces and how that’s going to fit altogether. I’m excited for it all and looking forward to getting back to it in August.”
In case anyone needed a reminder…#GotYourSix | 🎥: Adam Winnard pic.twitter.com/UkRVFuRF0N
— Toronto Six 🏆 (@TheTorontoSix) June 19, 2023
