Toronto Sceptres sign Olympic champion Kirsten Simms to 3-year deal
The Toronto Sceptres have signed Olympic champion Kirsten Simms to a three-year PWHL contract through 2028-29. The eighth overall pick in the 2026 draft joins Toronto after recording 238 points and winning three NCAA titles with Wisconsin.
The Toronto Sceptres have signed American forward Kirsten Simms to a three-year contract through the 2028-29 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season, securing one of their top young prospects ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Selected eighth overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, Simms becomes the first member of Toronto’s latest draft class to sign a professional contract. The 22-year-old joins the Sceptres following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, where she won three national championships and established herself as one of the program’s leading offensive players.
The agreement also adds an Olympic gold medallist to Toronto’s roster, with Simms having represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
Toronto Sceptres add proven scoring talent with Kirsten Simms
Simms arrives in Toronto with an impressive offensive résumé after four seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Plymouth, Michigan, native recorded 238 points in 152 collegiate games, including 100 goals, while helping Wisconsin capture three national championships.
Her final NCAA season in 2025-26 included 59 points, consisting of 26 goals and 33 assists, across 31 appearances. Those numbers earned her All-WCHA Second Team recognition.
Simms had previously been named a First Team All-American and selected to the All-WCHA First Team in consecutive seasons as a sophomore and junior.
Her production at Wisconsin demonstrated an ability to contribute consistently throughout her collegiate career, making her an important addition to Toronto’s forward group.
Sceptres general manager Gina Kingsbury highlighted the offensive qualities that attracted the organization to Simms.
“She brings offensive skill and creativity to our lineup, and we believe there’s a lot of upside to her game,” Kingsbury said. “Having her here for three years gives us the opportunity to build together.”
The three-year commitment provides Toronto with an opportunity to integrate Simms into its roster while maintaining her rights through the 2028-29 season.
Olympic and World Championship experience strengthens Toronto’s roster
Although Simms has yet to make her PWHL debut, she already has experience competing at the highest level of international women’s hockey.
She was part of the United States team that won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, adding an Olympic title to her three NCAA national championships.
Simms also represented the United States at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, winning silver in 2024 before capturing gold in 2025.
Those international achievements add to her profile as she prepares to make the transition from college hockey to the professional game.
For the Toronto Sceptres, signing a player with championship experience at both the collegiate and international levels offers another option for a forward group preparing for the new season.
Simms expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization and beginning her professional career in Toronto.
“Toronto is the best hockey market in the world, and having the opportunity to play in front of such passionate fans is something really special,” Simms said.
The forward also emphasized her intention to learn from established players within the organization and contribute to the team’s success.
“I want to bring energy, compete every day, and be someone my teammates can count on,” she added.
Toronto Sceptres continue building roster for 2026-27 season
The signing represents another step in Toronto’s roster preparations ahead of next month’s training camp.
According to the club’s announcement, 16 of the 29 players invited to camp are currently under contract.
Simms is also one of four Sceptres players signed through the 2028-29 season, joining defenders Renata Fast and Kali Flanagan, along with goaltender Raygan Kirk.
Her agreement gives the organization another long-term piece as it continues preparing its roster for the upcoming PWHL campaign.
Toronto selected Simms with the eighth overall pick on June 17, making her the club’s first-round selection in the 2026 draft. She is now the first player from that draft class to formally commit to the Sceptres.
The Toronto Sceptres will open the 2026-27 regular season on Sunday, December 6, with a road game against Ottawa.
The club will then return home for its first game at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Tuesday, December 8, against PWHL Hamilton.
With Simms under contract for three seasons, Toronto has secured a young forward with a strong scoring record and international championship experience as the organization prepares for another year of professional women’s hockey.
