The PWHL Vancouver has signed North Vancouver native and 2025 draft pick Nina Jobst-Smith to a two-year contract.
Jobst-Smith was selected 19th overall in the 2025 PWHL draft.
“I’m so excited to be joining Vancouver and to have the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization,” said Jobst-Smith. “It is a dream come true to be lacing up my skates for the city and people who first made me fall in love with this game. I can’t wait to get started!”
The 24-year-old defender played for the University of Minnesota Duluth in the 2024-25 season. She has played in five IIHF Women’s World Championships, where she represented Germany.
Draft picks Brianna Brooks and Madison Samoskevich signed one-year contracts for the 2025-2026 season.
Brooks “is the first Penn State University and Atlantic Hockey America player to be drafted into the PWHL,” noted a PWHL Vancouver news release Tuesday (Oct. 28).
The 23-year-old is from Whitby, Ont. and played the last two seasons of her NCAA career with the Nittany Lions at Penn State University.
“Signing with PWHL Vancouver is a dream come true. I feel so honoured to be a part of the growth of women’s hockey and PWHL Vancouver,” said Brooks. “Every challenge and sacrifice I’ve made in my career has led me to this moment, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing support system. I am beyond grateful and excited for what lies ahead in this next chapter. I can’t wait to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver and call it my new home.”
Samoskevich was selected 39th overall in the 2025 draft. The 22-year-old is from Sandy Hook, Connecticut and previously played for the Bobcats at Quinnipiac University.
“Signing with Vancouver means so much to me,” said Samoskevich. “Being part of this team’s first year in the PWHL is really special, and I’m excited for the chance to help build something new alongside such talented players and staff. I can’t wait to get started at training camp and get to work.”
The PWHL Vancouver is set to drop the puck Nov. 21 against PWHL Seattle for its inaugural season, playing out of the Pacific Coliseum and utilizing the PNE Agrodome as its practice facility.
The PWHL will enter its third season this fall with its original six teams: Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens, along with the two new teams, PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle.