An already potent roster added even more skill and depth to its line-up as Les Canadiennes added nine new players at the 2016 CWHL Draft on Sunday.

Led by Boston University star Sarah Lefort, Les Canadiennes selected three forwards, four defencemen, and two goalies. They include Cornell University’s Cassandra Poudrier (D); Ariane Barker (F) and Marion Allemoz (F) from the Université de Montréal; McGill University’s Brittney Fouracres (D) and Taylor Hough (G); Melanie Desrochers (D) out of St. Lawrence University; and Amanda Makela of Mercyhurst University. The team also selected Nachi Fujimoto (D), from Sapporo International University, in Japan.

“I'm extremely excited to welcome so many exceptional players to Les Canadiennes again this season,” general manager Meg Hewings said. “Sarah Lefort is a potent goal-scorer and complete power forward, and Cassandra Poudrier is a stalwart on defence. We’re also continuing to build on our depth as an organization with outstanding recruits like Ariane Barker, Marion Allemoz, Brittney Fouracres and Melanie Desrochers, all of whom can make an impact this season. Montreal fans have a lot to look forward to."

Lefort joins the organization following a successful four-year collegiate career, which saw her graduate as the Terriers’ all-time leader in goals and points, breaking Marie-Philip Poulin’s previous records. The Ormstown, Que., native won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 Four Nations Cup and at the 2012 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.

“Being drafted by Les Canadiennes is a huge honour as I will find myself playing in Montreal where my hockey career began. I am also extremely excited to be playing alongside some of the greatest players in the world in the CWHL and am looking forward to a great season,” said Lefort.

Poudrier joins the team after manning the blue line for the Cornell Big Red, serving as team captain in her final season. A long-time member of the Canadian Women’s National program, Poudrier was also a part of the gold medal squad at the 2015 Four Nations Cup. As part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2010 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships, Poudrier had a hockey card of her featured in the Upper Deck 2010 World of Sports card series.

“To be drafted by Les Canadiennes is a huge honour. I am coming home where everything started and will have the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends,” said the Mont-Laurier, Que. native. “On top of that, I will have the privilege to play and learn from some of the best players in the world.”

As a defenceman with the McGill University Martlets, Fouracres was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Canadian Interuniversity Championships. The Calgary, Alta., native was also the 2014 Canada West Champion – earning All-Star Team honours – in addition to being part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2011 Canada Winter Games, and the gold medal at the 2013 Winter Universiade.

“As a young girl, I dreamed of being a professional hockey player. Now I get to thank the CWHL and Les Canadiennes for an opportunity that I wouldn't have been able to dream of 18 years ago,” she said. “Getting drafted is just the beginning; I am looking forward to being a part of a league that is making history and a team that will challenge for the Clarkson Cup.”