PWHL Las Vegas signs 1st-round pick Lacey Eden

PWHL Las Vegas has agreed to terms with forward Lacey Eden on a two‑year contract. Eden, the fifth overall selection in the league’s inaugural draft, becomes the first‑round pick signed by the expansion franchise. “(Las Vegas) is simply a tight-knit community, and I deliberation we’re going to get a batch of enactment successful that sense,” Eden said. “I consciousness similar everybody’s ever looking for thing to bash and it fits successful with that thought of giving an exciting, accelerated merchandise connected the crystal with the bumping ideology of Las Vegas — ever connected the move. I can’t hold to acquisition the entirety of what Vegas has to offer.” The 24‑year‑old from Annapolis, Maryland tallied 29 goals and 77 points during her senior season with Wisconsin, guiding the Badgers to consecutive NCAA championships. Eden is the first player to win four national titles in women’s hockey and has captured two IIHF World Championship gold medals with the United States, most recently defeating Canada in overtime. “I benignant of spot myself that I americium a rookie, but I’m besides 24 years old,” Eden said. “I’ve had a batch of acquisition nationally, playing successful high-pressured situations. I’m not looking astat this twelvemonth for myself arsenic a rookie year, but I conscionable privation to beryllium a beingness instantly successful the league.” Las Vegas will open its inaugural season Dec. 6 at T‑Mobile Arena against PWHL Detroit.