PWHL Las Vegas signs 1st-round pick Lacey Eden

PWHL Las Vegas now has both of its first-round picks under contract, with the team signing No. 5 pick Lacey Eden to a two-year deal Monday.

Eden, a forward from Wisconsin, was the second selection from Las Vegas in its inaugural PWHL Draft back in June. Las Vegas selected Tessa Janecke with the No. 3 pick.

“(Las Vegas) is a tight-knit community, and I think we’re going to get a lot of support in that sense,” Eden said. “I feel like everybody’s always looking for something to do and it fits in with that idea of giving an exciting, fast product on the ice with the bumping ideology of Las Vegas — always on the move. I can’t wait to experience the entirety of what Vegas has to offer.”

The 24-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland had 29 goals and 77 points in her senior season to lead the Badgers to their second consecutive NCAA championship.

She became the first player to win four national championships in women’s hockey.

Eden has won gold at the IIHF World Championships twice with the United States, most recently last year by defeating Canada in overtime in the gold medal game.

“I kind of see myself that I am a rookie, but I’m also 24 years old,” Eden said. “I’ve had a lot of experience nationally, playing in high-pressured situations. I’m not looking at this year for myself as a rookie year, but I just want to be a presence immediately in the league.”

Las Vegas begins its first season Dec. 6 against PWHL Detroit at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 6.