When you build a team from scratch, who do you pick first? PWHL Hamilton's answer: captains.

The expansion team has signed its first two draft picks, according to the league. Defender Nelli Laitinen, taken sixth overall in June, got a three-year deal. Forward Jade Iginla, the 18th pick, signed for one year.

Laitinen, 24, is a big get. She captained the University of Minnesota for two seasons, has played in two Olympics for Finland and won bronze in Beijing in 2022. "I absolutely can't wait to get to Hamilton and get to know the city," she said. "Let's go, Hamilton!"

Iginla, 21, from Lake Country, B.C., captained Brown University and finished her college career with 99 points in 123 games. She also won gold with Team Canada at the 2022 U18 Women's World Championship. "It's special to be a small part of building this team from the ground up," she said.

General manager Meghan Duggan said Iginla is "exactly the type of player we want as part of the foundation."

Hamilton's very first home game is Dec. 13 at TD Coliseum. Expect noise.