'Definitely cool': Hustler eager to join PWHL Hamilton

'Definitely cool': Hustler eager to join PWHL Hamilton

Hustler has signed a two-year contract with first-year franchise

Prince Edward Island native Abby Hustler is heading back to Canadian ice. The 23-year-old forward has signed a two-year contract with PWHL Hamilton, marking the first time she will play for a Canadian franchise in her professional career.

Hustler joins Hamilton via the league’s Expansion Player Distribution Process after playing her rookie season with the Minnesota Frost. Announced on June 14, she is the ninth player to join the newly formed Hamilton franchise.

For the St. Louis, P.E.I. native, returning to Canada was always the ultimate goal.

"It was really nice to get that call, get that offer, and make my way to Hamilton," Hustler said. "My family is so excited. It's a huge opportunity to have a lot of family, even some from Ontario, be able to come to the games. It’s going to be awesome."

Last year, Hustler made history as the first player from Prince Edward Island drafted into the PWHL when Minnesota selected her 14th overall.

She proved to be a durable and impactful asset in her rookie year, appearing in all 30 regular-season games and registering 13 points. She also suited up for five post-season games.

P.E.I.'s Abby Hustler reflects on her rookie season in the PWHL

While Hustler describes her time in Minnesota as a "great year," she is eager to help establish Hamilton's hockey culture from the ground up during its inaugural season.

"There's a lot of buzz in the city and I think they're really excited for what's to come," she said. "There's a lot of fans in the Greater Toronto Area, and obviously not everyone has the ability to get downtown for a Toronto game. I think a lot of people will move to the Hamilton fan base... it'll just be cool to be the first group."

Hamilton is one of four expansion teams set to debut next season. While the team has not yet announced an official name or logo, the league has revealed its primary color palette: gold, maroon, and cream.

Jenna Legge is a journalist with CBC in Prince Edward Island. Before that, she worked as a reporter in Ottawa, with earlier stints in Winnipeg and Toronto. She holds a master's degree in international journalism from City University of London, and also studied journalism, law and political science at Carleton University. She can be reached at jenna.legge@cbc.ca.