PWHL Detroit signs Brandli, Borgiel to contracts
Two of the new faces on one of the PWHL’s newest franchises have inked their first contracts.
On Friday, PWHL Detroit announced that it has signed goaltender Andrea Brandli and defender Casey Borgiel to contracts.
Brandli, who signed a three-year contract through the 2028-29 season, was Detroit’s first-ever draft pick, taken in the second round, 15th overall, of the 2026 draft at the Fox Theatre in Detroit in June. The 29-year-old was met with massive fanfare, not just because of the historic selection, but also because she’s regarded as the best European goaltender in women’s hockey today. Brandli has a long track record of being a star with the Swiss national team, performing exceptionally well against superpowers Canada and the United States in both the IIHF Women’s World Championship and the Winter Olympics. Along with her standout performances at the Women’s Worlds, Brandli overcame illness in Milan this past February, helping Switzerland win the bronze medal, the program’s second podium finish in women’s Olympic hockey history. She was named the tournament’s best goaltender as a result.
On top of her international accolades, Brandli has also been one of the best goaltenders in the SDHL in Sweden. She was named the league’s top goaltender in 2024-25, before posting a record of 17-5-0 with Frolunda this past year, leading her team to the league final, ultimately losing to Brynas IF. She led the SDHL in goals-against average (1.49) and save percentage (.945) during the regular season.
Before her pro career, Brandli was a decorated player in the NCAA ranks, helping Ohio State win its first national championship in 2022.
Borgiel, who agreed to a one-year contract for the 2026-27 campaign, was another pick widely accepted by the fan base in the Motor City. The Port Huron native was also taken in the second round, 22nd overall. She jumps to the pro game after being an underrated two-way blueliner at Colgate University. After posting a career-high 29 points and a plus/minus of +25 in 2024-25, the 22-year-old registered 21 points in her senior season with the Raiders.
In four years at the NCAA level, including two years at Holy Cross, Borgiel posted 11 goals and 68 points in 143 appearances. The Little Caesars product will bring not just the hometown feel to the new team in Hockeytown, but also exceptional defense that made her a well-respected rearguard in the collegiate ranks.