New York Sirens sign Bernard, Vespa to one-year contracts
The PWHL’s New York Sirens are bringing back two key players for the upcoming 2025-26 season, signing defender Laura Bernard and forward Kayla Vespa to one-year contracts on Friday.
Bernard, 23, joined the Sirens midway through the 2024-25 season after starting her rookie campaign with the Toronto Sceptres, where she played 15 games, one assist, before heading south of the border.
With the Sirens, she skated in eight games and posted a pair of assists, while continuing to develop under heavy pressure each game, with New York often pinned in their defensive end.
A fourth-round pick by the Sceptres in the 2024 PWHL Draft, Bernard began her pro career last season after a standout five years in the NCAA, where she split her time between the Clarkson Golden Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
With the Buckeyes, she captured two national championships and scored 15 goals and 47 assists in 118 games, turning heads ahead of last year’s PWHL Draft.
“There is no doubt that Lauren Bernard’s ceiling, full potential, and determination to reach it make her a player we’re excited to continue working with after starting that journey mid-season,” said General Manager Pascal Daoust.
Added Bernard: “I am honored to be re-signing with the New York Sirens,” said Bernard. “Being able to represent this organization and passionate fan base means so much to me and I’m thrilled to continue contributing to the foundation that we’ve been building.”
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Vespa worked her way off the Sirens reserve list in 2024-25, playing 10 games in the regular season, after an inaugural campaign which saw her score two goals and three points in 23 games.
A veteran forward from Hamilton, Ontario, Vespa previously played three seasons in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, which was the interim step before the 2023 creation of the PWHL.
“Vespa is a role model through her tenacity, passion, and commitment to doing whatever it takes for the good of the team,” Daoust added. “Her speed and respect for the game make her a teammate you can trust at any moment.”
With the two signings, the Sirens now have 11 players under contract for 2025-26, as they look to climb out of the bottom of the PWHL standings and qualify for the Walter Cup Playoffs for the first time in history.