PWHL Vancouver select forward Michelle Karvinen during the first round of PWHL draft in Ottawa, Tuesday June 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

By The Canadian Press

PWHL Vancouver signs four-time Olympian, first-round draft pick Michelle Karvinen

Oct 6, 2025 | 11:18 AM

VANCOUVER — The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s new team in Vancouver has signed four-time Olympian Michelle Karvinen.

Vancouver selected the 35-year-old forward in the first round of June’s PWHL entry draft, choosing her seventh overall.

Karvinen previously played at the University of North Dakota, and in Finland’s Auroraliiga, Switzerland’s SWHL and Russia’s ZhHL.

She hails from Rodovre, Denmark, but plays internationally for Finland, and has won three Olympic bronze medals with the team.

Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey says in a release that Karvinen is a proven winner and a hockey veteran with a wealth of experience.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

PWHL Vancouver will kick off its inaugural season on Nov. 21 when it hosts fellow expansion side PWHL Seattle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2025.

The Canadian Press