PWHL Detroit signs Mellissa Channell-Watkins for inaugural season

PWHL Detroit has signed Plymouth native Mellissa Channell-Watkins as part of its inaugural roster for the 2026-2027 season. Channell-Watkins, who played for the Vancouver Goldeneyes last season, is among three defensemen recently added to the team, joining Stephanie Markowski and Mia Biotti. With two assists and 44 hits last season, she has previously won two Walter Cup titles. Channell-Watkins is one of four Michigan-area players on the Detroit roster, which aims to establish a competitive presence in the new league. The team's signing strategy appears focused on building local talent.

• 1:51 AMYahoo Sports — Plymouth's Channell-Watkins joins local hockey players on PWHL Detroit