MADISON, Wis. – Six former Wisconsin women's hockey stars have signed contracts in the free-agency period by five different teams in the new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). 

Emily Clark, Ann-Renée Desbiens, Hilary Knight, Sarah Nurse, Abby Roque and Blayre Turnbull found spots in the newly created league during the initial free-agency period. Each franchise was allowed to sign three free agents before the 15-round league draft on Monday, Sept. 18. 

Former Badger teammates and current Hockey Canada colleagues, Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull, each signed a three-year deal with the Toronto franchise. Nurse and Turnbull helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and a silver at PyeongChang in 2018.  

Ann-Renée Desbiens and Emily Clark also found homes with Canadian franchises. 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner Desbiens will join Montreal, and Clark, a 2019 NCAA Champion, was picked up by Ottawa. Desbiens was one of just three goalies signed by PWHL franchises in the free-agency period. 

Team USA standout and Wisconsin all-time goals leader, Hilary Knight, will continue her professional career with Boston. Knight previously played in the PWHPA, CWHL and NWHL, and is headed into her 11th professional season. Abby Roque also signed with a U.S. franchise, as the forward will continue her professional career in New York. 

The six inaugural franchises will begin their 24-game regular season in January 2024.