Riveters Re-Sign Ganser and Kilponen

The Metropolitan Riveters announced on Wednesday the re-signing of forward Kennedy Ganser (two years) and defender Anna Kilponen (one year). Ganser’s deal will pay her $40,000 this upcoming season, and $50,000 in the following season - which will be Season 10 of the PHF/NWHL. Terms of Kilponen’s deal were not disclosed.

Kilponen had 12 points, all assists, was named to the All-Star Game, and played in all 24 games for the Riveters during her first in North America as a pro after playing three pro seasons overseas. The 28-year-old defender has won two bronze medals for Finland at the World Championships and also represented her country at the 2014 Olympics.

“Anna is a lead-by-example type of person who strives for excellence in everything she does. She doesn’t make a lot of noise, just shows up to work every day,” Riveters Head Coach Venla Hovi said in the press release announcing the signing. “Anna battles hard in corners and has developed her offensive game that adds another dimension to her skillset.”

Ganser will be entering her third PHF season, second with the Rivs, after debuting with the Buffalo Beauts in Season 7; she was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 Draft and participated in the 2022 All-Star Game. This past season she was second in the league in face-off winning percentage (.581, 215/370 she took) and posted 11 points (2g-9a) while playing in all situations for the Riveters. In 43 career games, Ganser has amassed 22 points (7g-15a).

“I am extremely excited to be a Riv for the next two seasons. We have a great culture here and it starts from the top down. Our staff has created a very professional environment and expects our very best each and every day, which is something I love,” Ganser was quoted as saying in the press release.”

The Riveters now have 13 players under contract for Season 9. Ganser and Kilponen join returners Madison Packer, Amanda Pelkey, Minttu Tuominen, Sarah Bujold, and Fanni Garát-Gasparics, and newcomers to the Rivs include Noora Räty, McKenna Brand, Olivia Zafuto, Kaleigh Fratkin, Emma Seitz and Lexie Adzija as the franchise takes aim at winning their second Isobel Cup championship.