NEW YORK (March 10, 2025) – The New York Sirens today announced the signing of defender Lauren Bernard to a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Standard Player Agreement for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The 23-year-old rookie was most recently a member of the Toronto Sceptres on the team’s Reserve Player list.
“I’m happy to welcome Lauren to the Sirens family,” said Pascal Daoust, Sirens General Manager. “Lauren was a targeted player in the draft due to her skating abilities—both with and without the puck—her vision, and the experience she gained in her role with her championship team. As a rookie in the league, our plan is to give her the time and support she needs to develop while maintaining a high-caliber defensive core for the future.”
Bernard, a Madison, Ohio native, was selected by Toronto in the fourth round of the 2024 PWHL Draft and appeared in 15 games this season for the Sceptres, contributing one assist offensively. She began her NCAA career with two seasons at Clarkson University, then continued with three seasons at Ohio State University – becoming a two-time NCAA National Champion. The defender was a three-time OSU Scholar-Athlete and appeared in 118 games for the Buckeyes, finishing her career with 105 blocked shots, 15 goals and 47 assists. In joining the Sirens, Bernard reunites with former Buckeyes teammates Paetyn Levis and Gabby Rosenthal, and former Golden Knights teammates Élizabeth Giguère and Ella Shelton.
In a corresponding roster move, the Sirens have placed defender Olivia Knowles on the team’s Reserve Player list.
ABOUT NEW YORK SIRENS
The New York Sirens is one of six teams in the newly launched Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was founded in 2023. The PWHL began its inaugural season in January 2024 and features the best women’s hockey players in the world. The PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide record for a women’s hockey game. For the latest news and information on the New York Sirens, visit newyork.thepwhl.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.
ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S HOCKEY LEAGUE (PWHL)
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. In 2024, the PWHL was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year and received the top position in the first-ever Canadian edition of the Harris Poll, which ranks companies’ reputations. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
New York Sirens
Hannah Beckman, Media and Community Relations Coordinator
newyorkmedia@thepwhl.com