Cava inks two-year deal with expansion Vancouver

VANCOUVER — Michela Cava has a new home.

The two-time PWHL champion forward has signed a two-year deal with the league’s new Vancouver franchise, set to start play in 2025-26.

Cava, 31, had 27 points in 54 career regular-season games with the Minnesota Frost, adding 14 points in 18 postseason contests, helping lead them to Walter Cup wins the past two seasons.

“I’m incredibly excited to be heading to Vancouver and to be part of building something from the ground up,” Cava said in a release issued on Tuesday by her new team.

“There’s a special energy that comes with a new team and a new fan base. I can’t wait to hit the ice and get started with this group.”

The team also announced the signing of Tereza Vanisova, formerly of the Ottawa Charge, who lost in this year’s Walter Cup final to the Frost.

Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey said Cava brings plenty to the expansion team’s table.

“Michela has tremendous vision, and her elite play-making will help our offence. She is also a proven winner as a member of five straight championship teams,” Gardner Morey said.

In addition to her two PWHL titles, Cava won an Isobel Cup with the Toronto Six and overseas titles with KRS Vanke Rays in Russia’s ZhHL and with Luleau in Sweden’s SDHL in 2021, giving her five straight league championships.

Vancouver has six picks in the 2025 draft, which takes place next Tuesday.