PWHL Detroit’s first signing is now headed to the international stage. Daryl Watts, the franchise’s inaugural player, was named Monday, Oct. 19, to Canada’s women’s national team for the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Watts is one of 25 players on the roster, completing the group after a training camp last week in Quebec City. She signed a four-year deal with Detroit ahead of the team’s first season.
“We are thankful for all of the athletes who attended training camp last week in Quebec City and provided intense competition ahead of the world championship. Heading into the first international competition of this Olympic quadrennial, we are thrilled to have such amazing talent within our program,” said Canadian general manager Danièle Sauvageau.
Manon Rhéaume, the GM of PWHL Detroit and the woman who made history in 1992 by appearing in an NHL exhibition game, was also among several general managers named to the team.
At 27, Watts brings a resume that already puts her near the top of the PWHL’s early record book. She spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Sceptres and ranks second all-time in goals with 32 and tied for third in points with 63.
Her path to this moment has already included plenty of high-level hockey. Watts played college at Wisconsin and Boston College, then made her Olympic debut earlier this year for Team Canada, where she scored two goals and added six assists on the way to a silver medal.
“We are excited about the players who have been named to Team Canada as we compete for a gold medal in Denmark, while looking at the long-term success of our program.”
Canada will be in Group B at Women’s Worlds alongside host Denmark, Finland, Japan and Sweden. Group A features Austria, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland and the United States.
Before the tournament, Canada will play exhibition games against the United States in Windsor, Ontario on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and in Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, Oct. 30.
Canada has dominated this event over the years, winning 13 gold medals in 24 appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. The United States has won 11.
PWHL Detroit is set to open its season at Little Caesars Arena in late November or early December.
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