Of the 268 players who declared for the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) draft, only 90 will hear their names called on Monday, September 18. The 15-round inaugural draft will fill in the majority of team rosters, with teams maxing out at 18 possible player signings before a second free agency period opens.
For the first time, I wanted to take my shot at compiling a pre-draft rankings list of the players who are registered for the draft. Rather than fully ranking them in order (#1, #2... #268), I decided to group them into tiers.
Tier I is what I would consider the highest-level "elite" players. These are must-draft players who are likely to see their names called in the first two rounds. There are 12 players in this tier, to reflect those first 12 picks in the draft.
Each of the remaining tiers is made up of 32 players. Tier II consists of spectacular talent to build with to support the top end of any roster. I could see these players being picked in rounds three or four.
And so on, and so forth. Players in Tier III, for instance, could be selected in the fifth or sixth rounds. Players in Tier VII could be picked in rounds 13 or 14. At the end of the list are those players either on the cusp, or unlikely – in my opinion – to be selected. Players in Tier VIII could be picked in the 15th round, or could not be drafted at all, while those in Tier IX are long-shots.
Players are listed in alphabetical order in their respective tiers.
Tier I
- Bach, Victoria (CAN) 1996, Boston University, PWHPA - Forward
- Campbell, Kristen (CAN) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA - Goaltender
- David, Gabrielle (CAN) 1999, Clarkson University, NCAA - Forward
- Gabel, Loren (CAN) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF - Forward
- Heise, Taylor (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA - Forward
- Hensley, Nicole (USA) 1994, Lindenwood University, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Jaques, Sophie (CAN) 2000, Ohio State University, NCAA - Defense
- Müller, Alina (SUI) 1998, Northeastern University, NCAA - Forward
- Rattray, Jamie Lee (CAN) 1992, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Forward
- Scamurra, Hayley (USA) 1994, Northeastern University, PWHPA - Forward
- Söderberg, Emma (SWE) 1998, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA - Goaltender
- Zumwinkle, Grace (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota, NCAA - Forward
Tier II
- Albers, Jonna (USA) 1994, University of New Hampshire, PHF - Forward
- Bettez, Ann-Sophie (CAN) 1987, McGill University, PHF - Forward
- Bizal, Madison (USA) 2000, Ohio State University, NCAA - Defense
- Brandt, Hannah (USA) 1993, University of Minnesota, PWHPA - Forward
- Cavallini, Alex (USA) 1992, University of Wisconsin, DNP - Goaltender
- Chuli, Elaine (CAN) 1994, University of Connecticut, PHF - Goaltender
- Compher, Jesse (USA) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA - Forward
- Dempsey, Jillian (USA) 1991, Harvard University, PHF - Forward
- Downie-Landry, Jade (CAN) 1995, McGill University, PHF - Forward
- Dunne, Jincy (USA) 1997, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Defense
- Eldridge, Jessie (CAN) 1997, Colgate University, PWHPA - Forward
- Flaherty, Maggie (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA - Forward
- Girard, Taylor (USA) 1998, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Forward
- Grant-Mentis, Mikyla (CAN) 1998, Merrimack College, PHF - Forward
- Harmon, Savannah (USA) 1995, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Defense
- Howard, Brittany (CAN) 1995, Robert Morris University, PHF - Forward
- Hughes, Gabbie (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA - Forward
- Kunin, Sophia (USA) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA - Forward
- Leveille, Amanda (CAN) 1994, University of Minnesota, PHF - Goaltender
- Levy, Abigail (USA) 2000, Boston College, NCAA - Goaltender
- Maltais, Emma (CAN) 1999, Ohio State University, NCAA - Forward
- Marchment, Kennedy (CAN) 1996, St. Lawrence University, PHF - Forward
- Murphy, Maureen (USA) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA - Forward
- Räty, Noora (FIN) 1989, University of Minnesota, Naisten Liiga - Goaltender
- Rooney, Maddie (USA) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Saulnier, Jill (CAN) 1992, Cornell University, PWHPA - Forward
- Schafzahl, Theresa (AUT) 2000, University of Vermont, NCAA - Forward
- Schroeder, Corinne (CAN) 1999, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Goaltender
- Shirley, Sophie (CAN) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA - Forward
- Snodgrass, Natalie (USA) 1998, University of Connecticut, PHF - Forward
- Spooner, Natalie (CAN) 1990, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Forward
- Woods, Emma (CAN) 1995, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Forward
Tier III
- Brodt, Sydney (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Forward
- Bujold, Sarah (CAN) 1996, St. Francis Xavier University, PHF - Forward
- Butorac, Claire (USA) 1999, Minnesota State University, NCAA - Forward
- Cava, Michela (CAN) 1994, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Forward
- Cornine, Kendall (USA) 1997, Rochester Institute of Technology, PHF - Forward
- Dalton, Claire (CAN) 2000, Yale University, NCAA - Forward
- Daoust, Melodie (CAN) 1992, McGill University, PWHPA - Forward
- Darkangelo, Shiann (USA) 1993, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Forward
- Flanagan, Kali (USA) 1995, Boston College, PHF - Defense
- Fratkin, Kaleigh (CAN) 1992, Boston University, PHF - Defense
- Garat-Gasparics, Fanni (HUN) 1994, N/A, PHF - Forward
- Gilmore, Becca (USA) 1998, Harvard University, PHF - Forward
- Jackson, Carly (CAN) 1997, University of Maine, PHF - Goaltender
- Kepler, Claudia (USA) 1995, University of Wisconsin, PHF - Forward
- Kremer, Dominique (USA) 1997, Merrimack College, PHF - Defense
- Křížová, Denisa (CZE) 1994, Northeastern University, PHF - Forward
- Levis, Paetyn (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, NCAA - Forward
- Ljungblom, Lina (SWE) 2001, N/A, SDHL - Forward
- Mills, Alena (CZE) 1990, Brown University, SDHL - Forward
- Morin, Sidney (USA) 1995, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Defense
- Mrázová, Katerina (CZE) 1992, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Forward
- Packer, Madison (USA) 1991, University of Wisconsin, PHF - Forward
- Pelkey, Amanda (USA) 1993, University of Vermont, PHF - Forward
- Räisänen, Meeri (FIN) 1989, Robert Morris University, PHF - Goaltender
- Schepers, Elizabeth (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PHF - Forward
- Škodová, Blanka (CZE) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA - Goaltender
- Tapani, Susanna (FIN) 1993, N/A, DNP - Forward
- Thunstrom, Allison (USA) 1988, Boston College, PHF - Forward
- Tinker, Saroya (CAN) 1998, Yale University, PHF - Defense
- Tuominen, Minttu (FIN) 1990, N/A, PHF - Defense
- Veillette, Audrey-Anne (CAN) 2000, University of Montreal, U SPORTS
- Watts, Daryl (CAN) 1999, University of Wisconsin, PHF - Forward
Tier IV
- Abstreiter, Sandra (GER) 1998, Providence College, NCAA - Goaltender
- Ambrose, Erin (CAN) 1994, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Defense
- Aurard, Chloe (FRA) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA - Forward
- Babstock, Kelly (CAN/USA) 1992, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Forward
- Bell, Ashton (CAN) 1999, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA - Defense
- Boreen, Abigail (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA - Forward
- Boulier, Amanda (USA) 1993, St. Lawrence University, PHF - Defense
- Brand, McKenna (USA) 1996, Northeastern University, PHF - Forward
- Buchbinder, Natalie (USA) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA - Defense
- Connors, Maggie (CAN) 2000, Princeton University, NCAA - Forward
- Davis, Samantha, (USA) 1997, Boston University, PHF - Forward
- Ganser, Kennedy (CAN) 1997, University of Alberta, PHF - Forward
- Giguère, Elizabeth (CAN) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Forward
- Gruschow, Alexa (USA) 1994, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, PWHPA - Forward
- Healey, Jessica (CAN) 1996, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Forward
- Kronish, Cami (USA) 2000, University of Wisconsin, NCAA - Goaltender
- Lefort, Sarah (CAN) 1994, Boston University, PHF - Forward
- Lonergan, Caitrin (USA) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF - Forward
- Mäkelä, Amanda (CAN) 1993, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Marvin, Gigi (USA) 1987, University of Minnesota, DNP - Forward
- McQuigge, Rachel (CAN) 1998, Princeton University, PHF - Goaltender
- Munroe, Allie (CAN) 1997, Syracuse University, PHF - Forward
- Nuutinen, Emma (FIN) 1996, Mercyhurst University, PHF - Forward
- Poulin-Labelle, Maude (CAN) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA - Defense
- Shelton, Ella (CAN) 1998, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Defense
- Skaja, Catie (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota, NCAA - Forward
- Skarupa, Haley (USA) 1994, Boston College, PWHPA - Forward
- Sullivan, Tori (USA) 1996, Northeastern University, PHF - Forward
- Templeman, Lexi (CAN) 1999, Ohio State University, PHF - Forward
- Wohlfeiler, Alyssa (USA) 1989 USA, Northeastern University, PHF - Forward
- Woods, Taylor (CAN) 1994, Cornell University, PHF - Defense
- Zafuto, Olivia (USA) 1997, Colgate University, PHF - Defense
Tier V
- Adzija, Lexi (CAN) 2000, Quinnipiac University, NCAA - Forward
- Bourbonnais, Jaime (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA - Defense
- Boyd, Zoe (CAN) 2000, Quinnipiac University, NCAA - Defense
- Curlett, Emily (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Defense
- Daoust, Catherine (CAN) 1995, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF - Defense
- Davison, Taylor (CAN) 1998, York University, PHF - Defense
- Della Rovere, Kristin (CAN) 2000, Harvard University, NCAA - Forward
- Dobson, Summer-Rae (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, PHF - Forward
- Greco, Emma (CAN) 1995, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Defense
- Howran, Victoria (CAN) 1998, University of New Hampshire, PHF - Defense
- Isbell, Samantha (CAN) 1998, Mercyhurst University, PHF - Forward
- Jones, Jessica (CAN) 1990, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA - Forward
- Keenan, Emma (CAN) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF - Defense
- Kosta, Nicole (CAN) 1993, Quinnipiac University, PWHPA - Forward
- Labelle, Alexandra (CAN) 1996, University of Montreal, PHF - Forward
- Laganière, Brigitte (CAN) 1996, Concordia University, PHF - Defense
- Larocque, Jocelyne (CAN) 1988, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA - Defense
- Lásková, Dominika (CZE) 1996, Merrimack College, PHF - Defense
- Lum, Leah (CAN/CHN) 1996, University of Connecticut, PHF - Forward
- Nilsson, Matilda (FIN) 1997, N/A, SDHL - Forward
- O’Neill, Kristin (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA - Forward
- Peterson, Caroline (USA) 1999, Providence College, NCAA - Forward
- Reyes, Justine (USA) 1997, St. Lawrence University, PHF - Forward
- Sauvé, Kassidy (CAN) 1996, Clarkson University, PHF - Goaltender
- Stacey, Brooke (CAN) 1996, University of Maine, PHF - Forward
- Tejralová, Aneta (CZE) 1996, N/A, PHF - Defense
- Vanišová, Tereza (CZE) 1996, University of Maine, PHF - Forward
- Vasko, Alexa (CAN) 1999, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA - Forward
- Wabick, Morgan (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, SDHL - Forward
- Wabick, Taylor (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, SDHL - Defense
- Wenczkowski, Taylor (USA) 1997, University of New Hampshire, PHF - Forward
- Wielenga, Savine (NED) 1989, N/A, SDHL - Forward
Tier VI
- Baker, Taylor (CAN/HUN) 1997, Rochester Institute of Technology, PHF - Defense
- Bryant, Brooke (USA) 2000, Minnesota State University, NCAA - Forward
- Cook, Abby (CAN) 1998, Boston University, SWHL - Defense
- Costa, Jennifer (USA) 1999, University of Maine, SDHL - Forward
- Deaudelin, Christine (CAN) 1997, University of Ottawa, PHF - Defense
- DeGeorge, Clair (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Forward
- Demers, Rosalie (CAN) 2000, Colgate University, PWHPA - Forward
- De Sousa, Deziray (CAN) 1998, Boston University, PHF - Forward
- Digirolamo, Jessica (CAN) 1999, Syracuse University, PWHPA - Defense
- Dubois, Catherine (CAN) 1995, University of Montreal, PHF - Forward
- Field, Madison (CAN) 1997, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Forward
- Fleming, Brittyn (USA) 1999, Minnesota State University, PHF - Forward
- Hobson, Brooke (CAN) 1999, Northeastern University, SDHL - Defense
- Howarth, Kaitlin (CAN) 1998, Saint Mary’s University, PHF - Defense
- Knowles, Olivia (CAN) 1999, University of Minnesota, PHF - Defense
- Kondas, Jessica (CAN) 2000, Minnesota State University, SDHL - Defense
- Langei, Makayla (USA) 1998, Bemidji State University, PWHPA - Defense
- Larson, Bailey (USA) 1996, Colgate University, PWHPA - Forward
- Leslie, Rebecca (CAN) 1996, Boston University, PWHPA - Forward
- Marshall, Patti (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PHF - Defense
- Norcross, Savannah (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA - Forward
- Quennec, Kaleigh (CAN/SUI) 1998, University of Montreal, U SPORTS - Forward
- Richards, Kristen (CAN) 1992, Robert Morris University, PWHPA - Defense
- Rickwood, Emily (CAN) 2000, University of New Hampshire, NCAA - Defense
- Shiga, Akane (JPN) 2001, N/A, JPN WNT - Forward
- Shiga, Aoi (JPN) 1999, N/A, JPN WNT - Defense
- Skaggs, Tatum (USA) 1998, Ohio State University, PWHPA - Forward
- Tabin, Kati (CAN) 1997, Quinnipiac University, PHF - Defense
- Thompson, Claire (CAN) 1998, Princeton University, PWHPA - Defense
- Vespa, Kayla (CAN) 1997, St. Lawrence University, PWHPA - Forward
- Willoughby, Kaitlin (CAN) 1995, University of Saskatchewan, PWHPA - Forward
- Willoughby, Kyra (USA) 1999, Harvard University, NCAA - Defense
Tier VII
- Anderson, Kaycie (USA) 1991, Norwich University, PHF - Forward
- Bench, Lauren (USA) 1997, University of Minnesota, SDHL - Goaltender
- Boissonnault, Marlène (CAN) 1997, Cornell University, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Browning, Lindsay (USA) 1999, Cornell University, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Buckles, Emma (CAN) 1999, Harvard University, PWHPA - Defense
- Colizza, Chrissy (CAN) 1999, McGill University, U SPORTS - Forward
- Deguire, Tricia (CAN) 1997, McGill University, PHF - Goaltender
- Deschênes, Marie-Soleil (CAN) 1994, University of PEI, PHF - Goaltender
- DeSmet, Arielle (USA) 2000, Syracuse University, NCAA - Goaltender
- Dostaler, Laura (CAN) 1991, N/A, PWHPA - Forward
- Fujimagari, Mariah (CAN) 1994, University of Maine, SDHL - Goaltender
- Gélinas, Maude (CAN) 1992, University of Montreal, PHF - Forward
- Gonsalves, Chloe (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, PHF - Defense
- Hlinka, Janka (SVK/USA) 1995, Middlebury College, PHF - Forward
- Hofmann, Tera (CAN) 1998, Yale University, PHF - Goaltender
- Howe, Erica (CAN) 1992, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Jardin, Laura (CAN) 2000, McGill University, PHF - Forward
- Keopple, Mariah (USA) 2000, Princeton University, NCAA - Defense
- Klienbach, Grace (USA) 1994, Neumann University, PHF - Forward
- Klimášová-Boneberg, Iveta (SVK) 1998, N/A, PHF - Forward
- Knott, Mary Margaret (CAN) 1998, Mercyhurst University, PHF - Forward
- Legault, Lilly (CAN) 2006, N/A, U18 AA - Forward
- Lunny, Hayley (USA) 1999, Providence College, PHF - Forward
- MacInnis, Lauren (CAN/USA) 1998, Northeastern University, EWHL - Defense
- Maud, Courtney (CAN) 1999, Merrimack College, PHF - Forward
- Mogren, Ronja (SWE) 2001, N/A, PHF - Forward
- Philbert, Alice (CAN) 1996, Concordia University, U SPORTS - Goaltender
- Post, Lindsey (CAN) 1994, University of Alberta, SDHL - Goaltender
- Ridgewell, Samantha (CAN) 1996, Merrimack College, PHF - Goaltender
- Rougeau, Lauriane (CAN) 1990, Cornell University, PWHPA - Defense
- Scobee, Sydney (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PWHPA - Goaltender
- Woloschuk, Alexis (CAN) 1994, Boston University, PHF - Defense
Tier VIII
- Anderson, Amalie (DEN) 1999, University of Maine, NCAA - Defense
- Bohlken, Leah (CAN) 1997, University of Saskatchewan, PWHPA - Defense
- Brown, Emily (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PWHPA - Defense
- Bunton, Hanna (CAN) 1995, Cornell University, PWHPA - Forward
- Channell, Mellissa (CAN) 1994, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA - Defense
- Cogan, Sam (CAN) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA - Forward
- Crossman, Demi (USA) 1994, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA - Forward
- Donovan, Samantha (USA) 1996, Brown University, PWHPA - Forward
- Eady, Megan (CAN) 1993, University of Alberta, PWHPA - Defense
- Fällman, Johanna (SWE) 1990, University of North Dakota, SDHL - Defense
- Fox, Danielle (CAN) 2000, Toronto Metropolitan University, U SPORTS - Forward
- Graham, Grace (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA - Forward
- Gribbons, Kelly (CAN) 1995, University of Guelph, PWHPA - Forward
- Hsu, Tzu-Ting (TWN) 1995, Brock University, U SPORTS - Goaltender
- Hutchison, Cailey (USA) 1997, University of Maine, DNP - Forward
- Lanteigne, Terra (CAN) 1998, Rochester Institute of Technology, DNP - Goaltender
- Lavigne, Tracy-Ann (CAN) 1992, Concordia University, DNP - Forward
- Morse, Allie (USA) 1994, Providence College, DNP - Goaltender
- Neumann, Kelsey (USA) 1991, SUNY-Plattsburgh, DNP - Goaltender
- Nightengale, Nikki (USA) 1998, Augsburg University, PWHPA - Defense
- Olivier, Carley (CAN) 1999, University of Waterloo, U SPORTS - Defense
- Perreault, Liliane (USA) 2000, Mercyhurst University, NCAA - Forward
- Prévost, Carolyne (CAN) 1990, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA - Forward
- Quirion, Catherine (CAN) 1995, Colgate University, PWHPA - Defense
- Schneider, Malia (CAN) 1998, Colgate University, PWHPA - Forward
- Seeley, Rachel (CAN) 1998, Toronto Metropolitan University, DNP - Goaltender
- Stewart, Shannon (CAN) 1993, SUNY Plattsburgh, PWHPA - Forward
- Strack, Jessica (USA) 1998, Franklin Pierce University, DNP - Goaltender
- Tarnowski, Natasha (CAN) 1998, Boston University, PWHPA - Forward
- Varano, Amie (ITA/USA) 1994, Sacred Heart University, EWHL - Defense
- Varga, Sarah (USA) 2001, Concordia University Wisconsin, DNP - Goaltender
- Zeglen, Amanda (CAN) 1999, Clarkson University, DNP - Goaltender
Tier IX
- Aubin, Ariane (CAN) 1999, University of Ottawa, DNP - Forward
- Bailey, Katherine (CAN) 1996, University of Guelph, DNP - Defense
- Birch, Siobhan (CAN) 1997, Saint Mary's University, DNP - Forward
- Burke, Chantal (CAN) 1999, Minnesota State University, PHF - Goaltender
- Calof, Shelby (CAN) 2000, Syracuse University, DNP - Defense
- Coyne, Bailey (USA) 1996, Lindenwood University, DNP - Forward
- Dajia, Katerina (CAN) 1999, Franklin Pierce University, DNP - Defense
- Fanning, Kate (USA) 1998, Lake Forest College, DNP - Forward
- Fjordbak Hansen, Liv (DEN) 1998, N/A, Denmark 2 - Forward
- Goldberg, Chelsey (USA) 1993, Northeastern University, DNP - Forward
- Herman, Cassidy (CAN) 1997, University of Ottawa, DNP - Defense
- Hinds, Mariah (CAN) 1999, Toronto Metropolitan University, DFEL - Defense
- Jacobson, Corie (CAN) 1995, Clarkson University, DNP - Defense
- Kaiyogana, Natalie (CAN), N/A, DNP - Defense
- Klompmaker, Leah (CAN) 1997, N/A, WOSHL - Goaltender
- Knee, Sarah (CAN) 1996, Cornell University, Naisten Liiga - Defense
- Lévesque-Ryan, Maude (CAN) 1994, University of Ottawa, DNP - Goaltender
- Matteucci, Daniella (CAN) 1993, Clarkson University, PWHPA - Defense
- Miller, Hannah (CAN/CHN) 1996, St. Lawrence University, ZhHL - Forward
- Moy, Keely (SUI/USA) 1998, Harvard University, DNP - Forward
- Newton, Savannah (CAN) 1996, Boston University, DNP - Defense
- Nichols, Madison (USA) 2000, Nazareth University, PHF - Forward
- Palisi, Darby (USA) 1999, Castleton University, NCAA - Forward
- Poznikoff, Alexandra (CAN) 1997, University of Alberta, PWHPA - Forward
- Rankin, Katie (CAN) 1999, Mcgill University, DNP - Forward
- Ribeirinha-Braga, Lillian (USA) 1994, Boston University, PWHPA - Defense
- Schertzer, Katie (CAN) 1988, University of British Columbia, DNP - Goaltender
- Tougas, Kaitlyn (CAN) 1994, Bemidji State University, ZhHL - Forward
- Turner, Courtney (USA) 1994, Union College, DNP - Forward
- Unrau, Rebecca (CAN) 1993, University of British Columbia, DNP - Forward
- Walters, Jorie (USA) 1993, University of Wisconsin, DNP - Goaltender
- Wilkinson, Kiana (CAN) 1997, Saint Mary’s University, ZhHL - Defense
