PWHL San Jose Signs Forward Maddi Wheeler to Two-Year Deal

PWHL San Jose has signed forward Maddi Wheeler to a two-year Standard Player Agreement through the 2027-28 campaign. According to the team, Wheeler joins the roster ahead of the 2026-27 inaugural season, completing the five-player acquisition limit for Phase 2 of the PWHL’s Expansion Roster Distribution Process.

Who is Maddi Wheeler and what does she bring to San Jose?

Wheeler is a 23-year-old forward from Erinsville, Ontario, who previously played for the New York Sirens. During the 2025-26 season, she appeared in 29 games and recorded 10 points, consisting of three goals and seven assists.

She is recognized as a physical player, ranking fourth in the league with 51 hits last season. Wheeler was one of only three forwards in the entire league to record 50 or more hits.

Did You Know? Maddi Wheeler became the first player in league history to record three assists in a career debut during her first professional game on Nov. 22, 2025, against Ottawa.

Her pedigree includes two NCAA National Championships with the University of Wisconsin and a graduate season at Ohio State. Internationally, she earned a gold and a silver medal representing Canada at the 2019 and 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships.

How does the PWHL Expansion Roster Distribution Process work?

Phase 2 of the process began Friday at 12 p.m. ET. It allows each expansion team to build a foundation by acquiring five players through signings or a selection process.

Under these rules, teams can only sign players who were listed on their initial 20-player Exclusive Negotiation Target List. Additionally, existing teams are limited to losing a maximum of three players under contract for the 2026-27 season during this specific phase.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by signing Wheeler, San Jose is not just adding a physical presence, but is strategically reconstructing existing chemistry. Reuniting Wheeler with former Sirens teammates Anne Cherkowski and Kristin O’Neill suggests a calculated effort to import established partnerships to a new franchise.

What is the current status of the PWHL San Jose roster?

Wheeler is the fifth and final player added during Phase 2. She joins fellow former Sirens players forward Anne Cherkowski, forward Kristin O’Neill, defender Rory Guilday, and goaltender Corinne Schroeder.

Introducing PWHL San Jose!

All five of these players have signed two-year contracts. The team, which was announced as one of four expansion teams on May 19, is scheduled to debut at the SAP Center this fall.

What may happen next for the team?

With the Phase 2 roster foundation complete, the team could now focus on finalizing the remainder of its squad. The presence of a core group from the New York Sirens may help the team integrate faster during their inaugural 2026-27 season.

Fans may soon see ticket packages released for the historic first season, as the team has already opened time-stamped deposits for priority access to season tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Maddi Wheeler’s contract?
Wheeler signed a two-year agreement that runs through the 2027-28 campaign.

Where will PWHL San Jose play its home games?
The team will debut at the SAP Center in the fall.

How many players could expansion teams add during Phase 2?
Each expansion team was allowed to acquire five players through signings or a player selection process.

Do you think importing a core group of teammates from another city is the best strategy for a new expansion team?