PWHL Detroit Signs Japanese Olympian Akane Shiga
The 25-year-old forward, who competed in the 2026 Milan Olympics, joins Detroit on a two-year deal.
PWHL Detroit signed forward Akane Shiga to a two-year contract through the 2027-28 season on July 27, bringing the expansion team's roster to 16 players for its inaugural campaign.
Shiga, 25, made history as the PWHL's first Japanese player when she suited up for Ottawa in the league's first season in 2024. She scored two goals in 24 games that year, including the first PWHL game played at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2024.
The Hokkaido native spent the past two seasons with Luleå HF in Sweden's top league. In 2025-26, she finished second on the team in scoring with 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) in 36 regular-season games, then led Luleå in playoff scoring with seven points (two goals, five assists) in six postseason appearances.
Shiga competed for Japan in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan this past February, tying for the team lead in scoring with three points (one goal, two assists) in four games. It was her second Olympic appearance. She has also represented Japan at six IIHF Women's World Championships in the top division.
In Detroit, Shiga reunites with former Ottawa teammates Shiann Darkangelo and Daryl Watts. The roster includes forwards Hannah Bilka, Jesse Compher, Britta Curl-Salemme, Taylor Girard, Hilary Knight and Olivia Wallin, plus defenders Sydney Bard, Cayla Barnes, Mia Biotti, Mellissa Channell-Watkins, Nina Jobst-Smith and Stephanie Markowski, and goaltender Alice Philbert.
PWHL Detroit is one of four expansion teams joining the league for the 2026-27 season, alongside Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose. The 12-team league opens its fourth season this fall, with the schedule not yet released.
