The Professional Women's Hockey League announced details this Wednesday, September 13 of their inaugural draft event, which will be held at CBC headquarters in downtown Toronto on Monday, September 18. There will be a "purple carpet" event from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by the draft itself at 1:00 PM.
The draft will be live streamed by CBC on its CBC Gem app and available internationally on CBC's YouTube channel. A form to request credentials was made available to members of the media on Wednesday afternoon; since this was less than five days' notice for travel, the in-person attendance will likely be heavily skewed towards Toronto-based media. However, Zoë and Melissa will be there representing the Victory Press and are looking forward to bringing you live coverage of the draft and exclusive posts for subscribers here on our website. The PWHL is also offering media availability over Zoom for media unable to attend in person.
Some quick math...
The PWHL has also released the full list of 268 players who are eligible to be selected on Monday. There will be 90 selections through 15 rounds.
Undrafted players are still eligible to be signed and teams will need to make additional overtures in order to meet the requirement to bring 28 players to pre-season training camp in November. Each team has already signed three free agents and will make 15 additional selections at the draft, meaning they may have up to 18 players signed after the draft. This means at least 10 additional players will be brought to pre-season training camp – more than 10 if a team is unable to agree to terms with any of its draftees. The final regular season roster will consist of 23 players, so five will be cut after training camp.
Training camp compensation is handled separately in the CBA, so players will be compensated for their time at camp, but five of them on each team will leave camp un-signed.
Of 268 players on this list, 120 will be signed to contracts with a PWHL team (keeping in mind each team already has 3 players signed, a total of 18 out of 138 available roster spots). An additional 30 players (5 per team) will join a team for training camp, but will not make the cut. Any undrafted, un-signed player may be called upon by the League to serve as a reserve player who may be added to a team's roster during the season on an SPA (standard player agreement) or short-term SPA to meet their 23-player minimum roster requirement in the event that a rostered player becomes unavailable.
Reserve players receive a league stipend of at least $15,000 over the course of the season – presumably to train and be ready in the event they are called upon to join a team. It is currently unknown how many reserve players will be designated for the 2023 inaugural season, but we expect to be able to find out more about this soon. (Though, the number may be 12 – the PWHL's website has a ticker advertising "150 of the world's best players" which is 12 more than the amount of available roster spots for 6 teams at 23 players each.)
In order to be signed as a free agent at all during this process, a player must have been declared eligible for the 2023 PWHL draft.
On roster construction, roster size, and game lineups
In the NHL, 20 players are allowed to be on any given game lineup (18 skaters and 2 goalies) out of a 23-player maximum roster – and NHL teams can carry as few as 20 players. IIHF rules allow up to 20 skaters and 2 goalies to be eligible to play in any given game and that is also the maximum total IIHF roster size (22 total). The PHF, in its final season, allowed game lineups to consist of up to 20 players: 18 skaters and 2 goalies (raised from 17 skaters the previous year and 16 skaters the year before that). The maximum total roster size for the PHF in 2022-23 was 25 players, but most teams only carried 21. The NCAA allows 19 skaters plus up to three (and no fewer than two) goaltenders to dress in any given game.
So there are several different approaches to game roster size that the PWHL has to look towards as examples, but the total roster size is set in stone by the CBA. A PWHL team's active roster is mandated to be exactly 23 players, with teams only allowed to carry 22 players for up to 24 hours at any given time throughout the season. So, for example, if a player is put on the Short-Term Injury List or Season-Ending Injury List, they no longer count towards the roster – and the team is expected to sign a replacement player to an SPA within 24 hours.
This question of how the game rosters will work in tandem with the total roster raises interesting questions. Such as: will PWHL teams be able to carry a third goalie? How many defenders under contract will be the norm? These are things we will hope to find more out about at the draft.
In the coming days, we'll be sharing a draft forecast for each PWHL team as well as some rankings and predictions. Stay tuned for more.
Social media to follow for more of our draft coverage:
- @thevictorypress (Twitter) (I guess we're not calling it X out of spite – and here's to sincerely hoping breaking sports news and discourse can, in the near future, live primarily on a social media platform that is not violently racist, transphobic, and antisemitic.)
- @thevictorypress (Instagram)
- @zoeclaire_ (Twitter)
- @_MelissaBurgess (Twitter)
FORWARDS (146):
Adzija, Lexi (CAN) 2000, Quinnipiac University, NCAA
Albers, Jonna (USA) 1994, University of New Hampshire, PHF
Anderson, Kaycie (USA) 1991, Norwich University, PHF
Aubin, Ariane (CAN) 1999, University of Ottawa, DNP
Aurard, Chloe (FRA) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA
Babstock, Kelly (CAN/USA) 1992, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Bach, Victoria (CAN) 1996, Boston University, PWHPA
Bettez, Ann-Sophie (CAN) 1987, McGill University, PHF
Birch, Siobhan (CAN) 1997, Saint Mary's University, DNP
Boreen, Abigail (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA
Brand, McKenna (USA) 1996, Northeastern University, PHF
Brandt, Hannah (USA) 1993, University of Minnesota, PWHPA
Brodt, Sydney (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Bryant, Brooke (USA) 2000, Minnesota State University, NCAA
Bujold, Sarah (CAN) 1996, St. Francis Xavier University, PHF
Bunton, Hanna (CAN) 1995, Cornell University, PWHPA
Butorac, Claire (USA) 1999, Minnesota State University, NCAA
Cava, Michela (CAN) 1994, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Cogan, Sam (CAN) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA
Colizza, Chrissy (CAN) 1999, McGill University, U SPORTS
Compher, Jesse (USA) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA
Connors, Maggie (CAN) 2000, Princeton University, NCAA
Cornine, Kendall (USA) 1997, Rochester Institute of Technology, PHF
Costa, Jennifer (USA) 1999, University of Maine, SDHL
Coyne, Bailey (USA) 1996, Lindenwood University, DNP
Crossman, Demi (USA) 1994, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA
Dalton, Claire (CAN) 2000, Yale University, NCAA
Daoust, Melodie (CAN) 1992, McGill University, PWHPA
Darkangelo, Shiann (USA) 1993, Quinnipiac University, PHF
David, Gabrielle (CAN) 1999, Clarkson University, NCAA
Davis, Samantha, (USA) 1997, Boston University, PHF
DeGeorge, Clair (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Della Rovere, Kristin (CAN) 2000, Harvard University, NCAA
Demers, Rosalie (CAN) 2000, University of Montreal, U SPORTS
Dempsey, Jillian (USA) 1991, Harvard University, PHF
De Sousa, Deziray (CAN) 1998, Boston University, PHF
Dobson, Summer-Rae (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, PHF
Donovan, Samantha (USA) 1996, Brown University, PWHPA
Dostaler, Laura (CAN) 1991, N/A, PWHPA
Downie-Landry, Jade (CAN) 1995, McGill University, PHF
Dubois, Catherine (CAN) 1995, University of Montreal, PHF
Eldridge, Jessie (CAN) 1997, Colgate University, PWHPA
Fanning, Kate (USA) 1998, Lake Forest College, DNP
Field, Madison (CAN) 1997, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Fjordbak Hansen, Liv (DEN) 1998, N/A, Denmark 2
Fleming, Brittyn (USA) 1999, Minnesota State University, PHF
Fox, Danielle (CAN) 2000, Toronto Metropolitan University, U SPORTS
Gabel, Loren (CAN) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF
Ganser, Kennedy (CAN) 1997, University of Alberta, PHF
Garat-Gasparics, Fanni (HUN) 1994, N/A, PHF
Gélinas, Maude (CAN) 1992, University of Montreal, PHF
Giguère, Elizabeth (CAN) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Gilmore, Becca (USA) 1998, Harvard University, PHF
Girard, Taylor (USA) 1998, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Goldberg, Chelsey (USA) 1993, Northeastern University, DNP
Graham, Grace (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA
Grant-Mentis, Mikyla (CAN) 1998, Merrimack College, PHF
Gribbons, Kelly (CAN) 1995, University of Guelph, PWHPA
Gruschow, Alexa (USA) 1994, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, PWHPA
Heise, Taylor (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA
Hlinka, Janka (SVK/USA) 1995, Middlebury College, PHF
Howard, Brittany (CAN) 1995, Robert Morris University, PHF
Hughes, Gabbie (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA
Hutchison, Cailey (USA) 1997, University of Maine, DNP
Isbell, Samantha (CAN) 1998, Mercyhurst University, PHF
Jardin, Laura (CAN) 2000, McGill University, PHF
Jones, Jessica (CAN) 1990, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA
Kepler, Claudia (USA) 1995, University of Wisconsin, PHF
Klienbach, Grace (USA) 1994, Neumann University, PHF
Klimášová-Boneberg, Iveta (SVK) 1998, N/A, PHF
Knott, Mary Margaret (CAN) 1998, Mercyhurst University, PHF
Kosta, Nicole (CAN) 1993, Quinnipiac University, PWHPA
Křížová, Denisa (CZE) 1994, Northeastern University, PHF
Kunin, Sophia (USA) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA
Labelle, Alexandra (CAN) 1996, University of Montreal, PHF
Larson, Bailey (USA) 1996, Colgate University, PWHPA
Lavigne, Tracy-Ann (CAN) 1992, Concordia University, DNP
Lefort, Sarah (CAN) 1994, Boston University, PHF
Legault, Lilly (CAN) 2006, N/A, U18 AA
Leslie, Rebecca (CAN) 1996, Boston University, PWHPA
Levis, Paetyn (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, NCAA
Ljungblom, Lina (SWE) 2001, N/A, SDHL
Lonergan, Caitrin (USA) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF
Lum, Leah (CAN/CHN) 1996, University of Connecticut, PHF
Lunny, Hayley (USA) 1999, Providence College, PHF
Maltais, Emma (CAN) 1999, Ohio State University, NCAA
Marchment, Kennedy (CAN) 1996, St. Lawrence University, PHF
Marvin, Gigi (USA) 1987, University of Minnesota, DNP
Maud, Courtney (CAN) 1999, Merrimack College, PHF
Miller, Hannah (CAN/CHN) 1996, St. Lawrence University, ZhHL
Mills, Alena (CZE) 1990, Brown University, SDHL
Mogren, Ronja (SWE) 2001, N/A, PHF
Moy, Keely (SUI/USA) 1998, Harvard University, DNP
Mrázová, Katerina (CZE) 1992, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Müller, Alina (SUI) 1998, Northeastern University, NCAA
Murphy, Maureen (USA) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA
Nichols, Madison (USA) 2000, Nazareth University, PHF
Nilsson, Matilda (FIN) 1997, N/A, SDHL
Norcross, Savannah (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota, NCAA
Nuutinen, Emma (FIN) 1996, Mercyhurst University, PHF
O’Neill Kristin (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA
Packer, Madison (USA) 1991, University of Wisconsin, PHF
Palisi, Darby (USA) 1999, Castleton University, NCAA
Pelkey, Amanda (USA) 1993, University of Vermont, PHF
Perreault, Lilane (USA) 2000, Mercyhurst University, NCAA
Peterson, Caroline (USA) 1999, Providence College, NCAA
Poznikoff, Alexandra (CAN) 1997, University of Alberta, PWHPA
Prevost, Carolyne (CAN) 1990, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA
Quennec, Kaleigh (CAN/SUI) 1998, University of Montreal, U SPORTS
Rankin, Katie (CAN) 1999, Mcgill University, DNP
Rattray, Jamie Lee (CAN) 1992, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Reyes, Justine (USA) 1997, St. Lawrence University, PHF
Saulnier, Jill (CAN) 1992, Cornell University, PWHPA
Scamurra, Hayley (USA) 1994, Northeastern University, PWHPA
Schafzahl, Theresa (AUT) 2000, University of Vermont, NCAA
Schepers, Elizabeth (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PHF
Schneider, Malia (CAN) 1998, Colgate University, PWHPA
Shiga, Akane (JPN) 2001, N/A, JPN WNT
Shirley, Sophie (CAN) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA
Skaggs, Tatum (USA) 1998, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Skaja, Catie (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota, NCAA
Skarupa, Haley (USA) 1994, Boston College, PWHPA
Snodgrass, Natalie (USA) 1998, University of Connecticut, PHF
Spooner, Natalie (CAN) 1990, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Stacey, Brooke (CAN) 1996, University of Maine, PHF
Stewart, Shannon (CAN) 1993, SUNY Plattsburgh, PWHPA
Sullivan, Tori (USA) 1996, Northeastern University, PHF
Tapani, Susanna (FIN) 1993, N/A, DNP
Tarnowski, Natasha (CAN) 1998, Boston University, PWHPA
Templeman, Lexi (CAN) 1999, Ohio State University, PHF
Thunstrom, Allison (USA) 1988, Boston College, PHF
Tougas, Kaitlyn (CAN) 1994, Bemidji State University, ZhHL
Turner, Courtney (USA) 1994, Union College, DNP
Unrau, Rebecca (CAN) 1993, University of British Columbia, DNP
Vanišová, Tereza (CZE) 1996, University of Maine, PHF
Vasko, Alexa (CAN) 1999, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA
Veillette, Audrey-Anne (CAN) 2000, University of Montreal, U SPORTS
Vespa, Kayla (CAN) 1997, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA
Wabick, Morgan (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, SDHL
Watts, Daryl (CAN) 1999, University of Wisconsin, PHF
Wenczkowski, Taylor (USA) 1997, University of New Hampshire, PHF
Wielenga, Savine (NED) 1989, N/A, SDHL
Willoughby, Kaitlin (CAN) 1995, University of Saskatchewan, PWHPA
Wohlfeiler, Alyssa (USA) 1989 USA, Northeastern University, PHF
Woods, Emma (CAN) 1995, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Zumwinkle, Grace (USA) 1999, University of Minnesota, NCAA
DEFENDERS (78):
Ambrose, Erin (CAN) 1994, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Anderson, Amalie (DEN) 1999, University of Maine, NCAA
Bailey, Katherine (CAN) 1996, University of Guelph, DNP
Baker, Taylor (CAN/HUN) 1997, Rochester Institute of Technology, PHF
Bell, Ashton (CAN) 1999, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA
Bizal, Madison (USA) 2000, Ohio State University, NCAA
Bohlken, Leah (CAN) 1997, University of Saskatchewan, PWHPA
Boulier, Amanda (USA) 1993, St. Lawrence University, PHF
Bourbonnais, Jaime (CAN) 1998, Cornell University, PWHPA
Boyd, Zoe (CAN) 2000, Quinnipiac University, NCAA
Brown, Emily (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PWHPA
Buchbinder, Natalie (USA) 1999, University of Wisconsin, NCAA
Buckles, Emma (CAN) 1999, Harvard University, PWHPA
Calof, Shelby (CAN) 2000, Syracuse University, DNP
Channell, Mellissa (CAN) 1994, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA
Cook, Abby (CAN) 1998, Boston University, SWHL
Curlett, Emily (USA) 1999, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Dajia, Katerina (CAN) 1999, Franklin Pierce University, DNP
Daoust, Catherine (CAN) 1995, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Davison, Taylor (CAN) 1998, York University, PHF
Deaudelin, Christine (CAN) 1997, University of Ottawa, PHF
Digirolamo, Jessica (CAN) 1999, Syracuse University, PWHPA
Dunne, Jincy (USA) 1997, Ohio State University, PWHPA
Eady, Megan (CAN) 1993, University of Alberta, PWHPA
Fällman, Johanna (SWE) 1990, University of North Dakota, SDHL
Flaherty, Maggie (USA) 2000, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA
Flanagan, Kali (USA) 1995, Boston College, PHF
Fratkin, Kaleigh (CAN) 1992, Boston University, PHF
Gonsalves, Chloe (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, PHF
Greco, Emma (CAN) 1995, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Harmon, Savannah (USA) 1995, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Healey, Jessica (CAN) 1996, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Herman, Cassidy (CAN) 1997, University of Ottawa, DNP
Hinds, Mariah (CAN) 1999, Toronto Metropolitan University, DFEL
Hobson, Brooke (CAN) 1999, Northeastern University, SDHL
Howarth, Kaitlin (CAN) 1998, Saint Mary’s University, PHF
Howran, Victoria (CAN) 1998, University of New Hampshire, PHF
Jacobson, Corie (CAN) 1995, Clarkson University, DNP
Jaques, Sophie (CAN) 2000, Ohio State University, NCAA
Kaiyongana, Natalie (CAN), N/A, DNP
Keenan, Emma (CAN) 1997, Clarkson University, PHF
Keopple, Mariah (USA) 2000, Princeton University, NCAA
Knee, Sarah (CAN) 1996, Cornell University, Naisten Liiga
Knowles, Olivia (CAN) 1999, University of Minnesota, PHF
Kondas, Jessica (CAN) 2000, Minnesota State University, SDHL
Kremer, Dominique (USA) 1997, Merrimack College, PHF
Laganière, Brigitte (CAN) 1996, Concordia University, PHF
Langei, Makayla (USA) 1998, Bemidji State University, PWHPA
Larocque, Jocelyne (CAN) 1988, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA
Lásková, Dominika (CZE) 1996, Merrimack College, PHF
MacInnis, Lauren (CAN/USA) 1998, Northeastern University, EWHL
Marshall, Patti (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PHF
Matteucci, Daniella (CAN) 1993, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Morin, Sidney (USA) 1995, University of Minnesota Duluth, PHF
Munroe, Allison (CAN) 1997, Syracuse University, PHF
Newton, Savannah (CAN) 1996, Boston University, DNP
Nightengale, Nikki (USA) 1998, Augsburg University, PWHPA
Olivier, Carley (CAN) 1999, University of Waterloo, U SPORTS
Poulin-Labelle, Maude (CAN) 1999, Northeastern University, NCAA
Quirion, Catherine (CAN) 1995, Colgate University, PWHPA
Ribeirinha-Braga, Lillian (USA) 1994, Boston University, PWHPA
Richards, Kristen (CAN) 1992, Robert Morris University, PWHPA
Rickwood, Emily (CAN) 2000, University of New Hampshire, NCAA
Rougeau, Lauriane (CAN) 1990, Cornell University, PWHPA
Shelton, Ella (CAN) 1998, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Shiga, Aoi (JPN) 1999, N/A, JPN WNT
Tabin, Kati (CAN) 1997, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Tejralová, Aneta (CZE) 1996, N/A, PHF
Thompson, Claire (CAN) 1998, Princeton University, PWHPA
Tinker, Saroya (CAN) 1998, Yale University, PHF
Tuominen, Minttu (FIN) 1990, N/A, PHF
Varano, Amie (ITA/USA) 1994, Sacred Heart University, EWHL
Wabick, Taylor (CAN) 1999, University of Connecticut, SDHL
Wilkinson, Kiana (CAN) 1997, Saint Mary’s University, ZhHL
Willoughby, Kyra (USA) 1999, Harvard University, NCAA
Woloschuk, Alexis (CAN) 1994, Boston University, PHF
Woods, Taylor (CAN) 1994, Cornell University, PHF
Zafuto, Olivia (USA) 1997, Colgate University, PHF
GOALTENDERS (44):
Abstreiter, Sandra (GER) 1998, Providence College, NCAA
Bench, Lauren (USA) 1997, University of Minnesota, SDHL
Boissonnault, Marlène (CAN) 1997, Cornell University, PWHPA
Browning, Lindsay (USA) 1999, Cornell University, PWHPA
Burke, Chantal (USA) 1999, Minnesota State University, PHF
Campbell, Kristen (CAN) 1997, University of Wisconsin, PWHPA
Cavallini, Alex (USA) 1992, University of Wisconsin, DNP
Chuli, Elaine (CAN) 1994, University of Connecticut, PHF
Deguire, Tricia (CAN) 1997, McGill University, PHF
Deschênes, Marie-Soleil (CAN) 1994, University of PEI, PHF
DeSmet, Arielle (USA) 2000, Syracuse University, NCAA
Fujimagari, Mariah (CAN) 1994, University of Maine, SDHL
Hensley, Nicole (USA) 1994, Lindenwood University, PWHPA
Hofmann, Tera (CAN) 1998, Yale University, PHF
Howe, Erica (CAN) 1992, Clarkson University, PWHPA
Hsu, Tzu-Ting (TWN) 1995, Brock University, U SPORTS
Jackson, Carly (CAN) 1997, University of Maine, PHF
Klompmaker, Leah (CAN) 1997, N/A, WOSHL
Kronish, Cami (USA) 2000, University of Wisconsin, NCAA
Lanteigne, Terra (CAN) 1998, Rochester Institute of Technology, DNP
Leveille, Amanda (CAN) 1994, University of Minnesota, PHF
Lévesque-Ryan, Maude (CAN) 1994, University of Ottawa, DNP
Levy, Abigail (USA) 2000, Boston College, NCAA
Mäkelä, Amanda (CAN) 1993, Mercyhurst University, PWHPA
McQuigge, Rachel (CAN) 1998, Princeton University, PHF
Morse, Allie (USA) 1994, Providence College, DNP
Neumann, Kelsey (USA) 1991, SUNY-Plattsburgh, DNP
Philbert, Alice (CAN) 1996, Concordia University, U SPORTS
Post, Lindsey (CAN) 1994, University of Alberta, SDHL
Räisänen, Meeri (FIN) 1989, Robert Morris University, PHF
Räty, Noora (FIN) 1989, University of Minnesota, Naisten Liiga
Ridgewell, Samantha (CAN) 1996, Merrimack College, PHF
Rooney, Maddie (USA) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, PWHPA
Sauvé, Kassidy (CAN) 1996, Clarkson University, PHF
Schertzer, Katie (CAN) 1988, University of British Columbia, DNP
Schroeder, Corinne (CAN) 1999, Quinnipiac University, PHF
Scobee, Sydney (USA) 1998, University of Minnesota, PWHPA
Seeley, Rachel (CAN) 1998, Toronto Metropolitan University, DNP
Škodová, Blanka (CZE) 1997, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA
Söderberg, Emma (SWE) 1998, University of Minnesota Duluth, NCAA
Strack, Jessica (USA) 1998, Franklin Pierce University, DNP
Varga, Sarah (USA) 2001, Concordia University Wisconsin, DNP
Walters, Jorie (USA) 1993, University of Wisconsin, DNP
Zeglen, Amanda (CAN) 1999, Clarkson University, DNP