Following the second phase of PWHL expansion, San Jose has found their inaugural five players. Of the five, general manager/coach Troy Ryan has selected three forwards, one defender, and one goaltender to start.
Players Signed
The first player San Jose acquired was netminder Corinne Schroeder, who they signed to a two-year, standard player agreement on June 5th. Schroeder spent two seasons in New York, before playing the most recent year with Seattle. In 17 games in 2025-26, Schroeder put up a .915 save percentage, and will look to bring her sizable talent to a new franchise.
Just three hours later, San Jose picked up defender Rory Guilday from Ottawa. The 23-year-old is coming off a rookie season to remember, where she played sizable minutes on the Charge blueline. Plus, she won a gold medal with the USA at the Milan Olympics in February. The defender is now under contract for the next two years, after also signing a standard player agreement in the Bay Area.
Ryan wasn’t done pulling players from New York, either. He then went out and signed both Anne Cherkowski and Kristin O’Neill from the Sirens on Saturday. Cherkowski registered nine points in her rookie season, and has an intense offensive upside. Like Schroeder and Guilday, Cherkowski is signed to a two-year SPA.
O’Neill, who had five points in 30 games this season following a trade from Montréal, is also on an SPA. However, the forward’s process for moving to San Jose was slightly different. As a part of the expansion rules, San Jose was able to offer an Expansion Foundational Offer to O’Neill, which has led to her joining the team for next season.
The final piece of the puzzle thus far was Maddi Wheeler. The forward signed a two-year SPA late Monday. The rookie forward had 10 points this season in New York, and has a physical edge to her game with 51 hits on the year.
What Should They Look For Next?
I think the biggest need still remaining for San Jose would be experience. While O’Neill and Schroeder have multiple seasons under their belt in the PWHL, the other three players only have one year completed. That’s not to say the rookies aren’t talented — they most definitely are. It just would be nice to add a bit more experience to complement the talent they have.
With that, an experienced defender is the perfect next piece for SJ. A player who can complement Guilday, and be a leader for all of the younger players fits well and fits easily. Depending on who the teams continue to protect in Phase 3, there are a variety of defenders remaining that will be worth keeping an eye on.
A second center would also be beneficial. O’Neill is a solid center, and won over 270 faceoffs this season to the tune of a 54.8% win rate. That win rate will be important, but having another to complement O’Neill will help solidify San Jose down the middle.
Next Steps Timeline
The eight teams that played last year will now have a chance to protect an additional three players. The four expansion teams, including San Jose, will be able to sign three more players during the third phase of the expansion process. Protections have to be made by Friday, June 12th at 5 PM EST.
Six players were extended Foundational Player Offers in Phase 2, and now must sign with one of the 12 PWHL teams in Phase 3. Those players are:
- Izzy Daniel, F – Vancouver Goldeneyes
- Kali Flanagan, D — Toronto Sceptres
- Jenn Gardiner, F – Vancouver Goldeneyes
- Julia Gosling, F – Seattle Torrent
- Susanna Tapani, F – Boston Fleet
- Grace Zumwinkle, F – Minnesota Frost
Phase 3 of the PWHL expansion process is open from Wednesday, June 10th at noon EST to Friday, June 12th at 3 PM EST.
