PWHL Detroit has strengthened its defensive lineup by signing three players during the league’s open signing period for expansion teams. The club announced the acquisitions of Mellissa Channell-Watkins, Stephanie Markowski, and Mia Biotti, each bringing valuable experience to the roster ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Channell-Watkins, a 31-year-old defenseman from Plymouth, Michigan, has agreed to a two-year contract extending through the 2027/28 campaign. Returning home after a season with the Vancouver Goldeneyes, she boasts an impressive track record that includes back-to-back Walter Cup championships with the Minnesota Frost in her first two PWHL seasons. Last season, she contributed two assists and ranked fifth among defenders with 44 hits over 30 games, underscoring her physical presence on the ice.
Young Talent Joins the Defensive Corps
Joining Channell-Watkins in Detroit’s defensive corps is 24-year-old Stephanie Markowski, who also signed a two-year deal. Markowski was originally drafted 20th overall by Ottawa in the 2024 PWHL Draft but will now bring her skills to Detroit. During her time with the Ottawa Charge, she posted a plus-6 rating and accumulated 10 points over 58 regular-season games, along with experience in 16 playoff matchups.
Meanwhile, Mia Biotti, a Harvard alumna, has secured a one-year contract for the 2026/27 season. Biotti spent her rookie campaign with the Boston Fleet, recording two assists in 13 regular-season appearances and participating in two playoff games. Her addition adds depth and versatility to the team’s defensive options as Detroit builds its inaugural roster.