1st overall PWHL draft pick Taylor Heise signs contract with Minnesota

The first draft pick in Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) history has signed her first professional contract.

PWHL Minnesota drafted Lake City, Minn., native Taylor Heise first overall at the league’s inaugural draft last month, and on Thursday, announced she’s signed a contract with the team. The term and length of the contract have not been made public.

“I am super excited to be a part of this amazing team in the state of hockey,” Heise said in a video posted on PWHL Minnesota’s social media channels. 

The five-foot-10 forward is turning pro after a career at the University of Minnesota that included winning the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best female player in NCAA Division 1 hockey. She took home the award in 2022, after posting 66 points in 39 games. Minnesota GM Natalie Darwitz was an assistant coach on that Gophers squad.

WATCH | Minnesota makes history with Taylor Heise draft pick:

Heise has also starred on the international stage for Team USA. She was named MVP of the 2022 world championship, after leading all players in scoring with 18 points. 

She joins defender Lee Stecklein and forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Kelly Pannek and as the first four players under contract with PWHL Minnesota.

Ottawa signs drafted forward 

PWHL Ottawa also announced its first draft pick signing on Thursday, coming to terms with forward Lexie Adzija. Similar to Heise, her signing was announced on social media, and no contract terms or length were specified.

Adzija was taken by Ottawa in the 11th round (65th overall) at the draft last month.

“[Ottawa is] getting a 200-foot player that really values all the small, little details,” Adzija said in a clip posted on the PWHL Ottawa’s social media. “I’m someone that takes pride in being first on the backcheck, winning the battle in the corner. I take pride in owning the faceoff circle.”

From St. Thomas, Ont., Adzija played at Quinnipiac University last season, scoring 16 points in 26 games and serving as the team’s co-captain. She was dominant in the faceoff circle during her time at Quinnipac, going 342-235.

She seems to fit the profile of the team identity GM Michael Hirshfeld has said he’d like to build: gritty, dynamic and skills-based.

Adzija previously signed a contract for the upcoming season with the Metropolitan Riveters of the Premier Hockey Federation, but that league was sold and shut down over the summer, voiding all contracts.

PWHL Ottawa now has four players signed to contracts, after signing forwards Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner and goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer during a free agent period prior to the draft.

The signings come as teams prepare to open training camps on Nov. 15. The PWHL hasn’t announced its schedule for the league’s first season yet, but games are expected to begin in January 2024.