PWHL Las Vegas announced that forward Tessa Janecke, an Orangeville native and Penn State graduate has been signed to a two-year Professional Women’s Hockey League Standard Player Agreement through the 2027-28 season. Janecke was selected third overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft, and was the first of eight players chosen by PWHL Las Vegas in the six-round process on June 17 and is the first player among all 72 draft picks to sign ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Janecke turns pro following a four-year collegiate career at Penn State University where she set program records for goals (89), assists (112) and points (201). During the 2025-26 season, the 22-year-old from Orangeville became the first-ever Nittany Lion to be named a top three finalist for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, totaling 48 points (26G, 22A) in 31 games, while leading her team to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance. In February, Janecke won Olympic gold representing the United States, contributing five assists in seven games in Milan. She has also compiled two gold medals and one silver medal in three IIHF Women’s World Championships.

Janecke is the daughter of Andrew (Rooney) and Kari Janecke, Warren, formerly of Orangeville.