New York, NY — The National Women’s Hockey League has announced the salary cap and roster sizes for the 2016-2017 season.
Each team will carry 17 rostered players: 15 skaters and two goalies. Each team will also sign a total of six practice players: five skaters and one goalie. The salary cap remains the same at $270,000, therefore the average player’s salary will increase from $15,000 to $15,882.
“We’re continuously striving to make appropriate changes to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our players and the league,” said Commissioner Dani Rylan. “We believe this change in roster size and number of practice players will raise the overall level of competition throughout the league.”
Practice players are paid based on the number of games in which they dress during the pre-season, regular season or playoffs.
“Practice players played a huge role in the success of all four teams last season,” said Commissioner Rylan. “We’re excited to offer that opportunity to more players in 2016-2017.”
Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasts until April 30. Free agency begins May 1 and lasts until July 31. The 2016 Draft is June 18.
About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)
The NWHL is the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players. The inaugural season began October 11, 2015 with the Founding Four: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. The Boston Pride became the first team in NWHL history to raise the Isobel Cup on March 12, 2016.
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