PWHL Detroit released their training camp roster last Wednesday. Four 2026 drafted prospects will battle with six intriguing invitees to earn the last spots on the teams inaugural roster. Here is what we know about each of these players and what they could bring to the table.
Vanessa Upson enters camp after spending the past year with the Minnesota Frost. Drawing into 28 games, she played a primarily depth role, recording just one assist. However, most notably she is experienced on the faceoff dot, something the Detroit roster lacks. Upson could be a valuable piece to call upon should shifting one of the talented wingers to center prove difficult.
Goaltender Michelle Pasiechnyk is another interesting invitee. She spent 4 years at Clarkson University, where she secured a starting role as a sophomore. In her 5th year, Pasiechnyk transferred to Boston University, where her numbers suffered slightly behind a weaker defense. Agile and with the physical tools, she could challenge for the backup role in Detroit.
Jessica Adolfsson returned to Sweden last year following a reserve stint with the Ottawa Charge. She is a solid shut-down defender, with flashes of offensive potential at lower levels of competition. Adolfsson will need to become more comfortable with the physicality of the league to make the transition to full time. She figures to be in contention for a 3rd pair or 7th defender spot.
Kira Juodikis is a physically imposing player, although her skating may hold her back at the pro level. The forward suited up for the New York Sirens in four games last year but spent the majority of the year with ZSC Lions in the Swiss League. In 24 games, she had 20 points, good for second on the Lions. Juodikis could be a depth addition and moonlight on the 2nd power play. She brings special teams experience from her time at New Hampshire.
Kendra Zuchotzki, a 24-year-old defender, is fresh off five seasons at the University of Saskatchewan. Her stats don’t jump off the page, with nine points in 28 games in 2025-26. She wore a letter for the Huskies, and led their defenders in points while playing tough minutes. Zuchotzki will face an uphill battle for a roster spot, but should gain some great experience.
Forward Gabby Jones, a Massachusetts native, rounds out the camp invites. The 27-year-old played four seasons for Merrimack College, then a final collegiate season at the University of New Hampshire before heading across the pond for three seasons in Sweden. She racked up 16 points in 34 games last year, primarily by being a strong net-front presence. She may not impress with hands or vision, but Jones can hang with the physicality of the PWHL should she win over Detroit management.
PWHL Detroit enters camp with 18 players signed for the upcoming season. All four unsigned 2026 draft picks are forwards, and with nine under contract that figures to use four of their remaining contracts. PWHL goalies are required to carry three goaltenders. Should the team choose to add an eighth defender in Adolfsson or Zuchotzki, the competition will be that much tighter.
Training camp opens on Wednesday November 18, and all eyes will be on these invitees to battle for the final roster spots.
