PWHL Detroit Adds Trio of Defenders as Free Agency Continues

With PWHL free agency open, Detroit announced the signings of three defenders on Sunday: Mellissa Channell-Watkins, Stephanie Markowski, and Mia Biotti.

Channeling shutdown defense energy ⚡️

Little Caesars Hockey alum Mellissa Channell-Watkins returns to Michigan on a two-year Standard Player Agreement!
📰 bit.ly/4agHCwN

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— PWHL Detroit (@pwhl–detroit.bsky.social) 2:15 PM · Jun 21, 2026

MARKY IN MOTOWN 🤩

We’ve signed Stephanie Markowski to a two-year Standard Player Agreement!
📰 bit.ly/4agHCwN

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— PWHL Detroit (@pwhl–detroit.bsky.social) 2:18 PM · Jun 21, 2026

D-TOWN DEFENSE 💪

We’ve signed Mia Biotti to a one-year Standard Player Agreement!
📰 bit.ly/4agHCwN

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— PWHL Detroit (@pwhl–detroit.bsky.social) 2:20 PM · Jun 21, 2026

With the trio on board, Detroit now has a full slate of six defenders signed, plus 2026 draft pick Casey Borgiel.

Channell-Watkins tallied two points in thirty games with the Vancouver Goldeneyes last season, playing in a shutdown role. She spent the previous two seasons with Minnesota, winning the Walter Cup with them each year. From 2008 to 2011 she played in the Little Caesars youth program.

Markowski put up five points in each of the last two seasons with the Ottawa Charge after a five-year collegiate career split between Clarkson University and Ohio State.

Biotti played 13 games last season with the Boston Fleet after starting the season as one of their reserve players.