Welcome to our live coverage of the 2026 PWHL Draft. This post will be laid out like a live blog, with new content being added to the top of the page. Refresh often! We'll have live updates, analysis, and reactions from onsite in Detroit.
You should be able to click through using the index. Updates will be timestamped in Eastern Daylight Time.
11:32pm: Quotes added
Reactions from picks 48-51.
10:54pm: The draft is over, but the content is not
And that's it for the selections! Keep checking in for more reactions from players and GMs, as draftees are still being interviewed in Detroit.
72 Montreal Victoire
Émilie Lavoie, F, Concordia (2001)
Scouting report: Lavoie is one of the more underrated players in this draft, in my opinion. She’s offensively skilled but also a highly responsible two-way player, to the point that she spent this past season suiting up at defence. She declared for the draft at her natural forward, and I think her 200-foot game will transition well to a middle-6 role in the PWHL. She’s well-suited to playing a physical game but will need to be attentive to staying within the bounds of the rules. Lavoie wasn't sure if she'd attend the draft, but will be glad she skipped her graduation to be here.
71 Ottawa Charge
Taylor Otremba, F, Minnesota State (2003)
Scouting report: One of my picks for a sleeper late-round grab. She has a ton of upside and proved in her time at Mankato that she can play in all areas, on special teams and that she elevates the players around her. Against much more loaded rosters she consistently stood out and made plays. Plus, Minnesota State players have proven to themselves to be reliable and successful with players like Claire Butorac and Brooke Bryant.
70 Boston Fleet
Maeve Kelly, D, Boston University (2004)
Scouting report: Not a player who stands out in any particular area, but reads the game well. Steady and dependable. Will be fighting to earn a depth role.
69 Minnesota Frost
Lara Beecher, F, Clarkson/Vermont (2004)
Scouting report: Showed growth throughout her NCAA career. Skilled player with potential to continue to develop. Breakaway speed and good hands. Upgraded her scoring in her transfer season, but will be fighting for a depth role with the Frost.
68 Toronto Sceptres
Alyssa Regalado, D, Cornell (2004)
Scouting report: I’ve said this before, but I put high stock in defenders that were selected by and trained under Doug Derraugh. Add in that Regalado was paired with Rory Guilday throughout her Cornell career and she becomes an even more intriguing prospect. She’s not the most involved offensively, though that part of her game improved when Cornell needed it to last season. The mobility is there on defense, where she reads the play well and is very good at angling and directing play outside. She’s reliable and smart, calm with the puck and doesn’t make bad decisions with the puck when she’s pressured. Possibly one of the steals of this draft.
67 New York Sirens
Naomi Boucher, F, Yale (2003)
Scouting report: She has a strong shot and is good at picking her spots from the slot. Not a lot of offensive production, but really solid in the small details that help her teammates to excel.
66 PWHL Hamilton
Mya Vaslet, F, Penn State (2003)
Scouting report: After a brutal premature end to her 2024-25 campaign due to injury and blood clots, Vaslet returned to the Nittany Lions this season. Not a big scorer, but showed up in big moments. Willing to play hard. She'll be looking to earn a depth role in the PWHL.
10:23pm: Timeout Hamilton
We'll see what they do...
10:21pm: More reactions
Quotes from Charge draftee Tory Mariano
65 PWHL Las Vegas
Sydney Healey, F, Boston University (2004)
Scouting report: Healey is a bit like a wrecking ball in the nicest possible way. She’s going to crash the net, she’s going to unleash a strong shot and she’s going to fight for pucks on open ice and along the board. Her strength shows up all across the ice in ways that aren’t reckless or a liability. She seems primed to flourish in this league.
10:17pm: Quotes added
Reactions from Tova Henderson
64 PWHL San Jose
Reichen Kirchmair, F, Providence (2004)
Scouting report: She had an outstanding junior campaign and was Hockey East Player of the Year, but her team struggled last season. That being said, she still led the Friars in points and reached 100 career points. She was a standout with Canada at U18s and showed flashes of that brilliance throughout her collegiate career. I don’t think we’ve seen everything she’s capable of and she's a good later round pick up with potential to become a reliable goal-scorer with a lot of room for growth.
63 PWHL Detroit
Georgia Schiff, F, Cornell (2004)
Scouting report: Schiff played full contact boys hockey until age 17, so the transition to the PWHL physicality should be smooth. She's a gritty player who's strong along the boards and down low, and also scored plenty of goals, with a knack for tipping in pucks in front of the net. Good on the power play, and willing to block shots.
62 Seattle Torrent
Gabriella Durante, G, Real Torino/University of Calgary/Italy National Team (2001)
Scouting report: Was mainly a backup for Italy, but performed extremely well under pressure when called upon. Her pro experience, largely due to naturalization requirements, has been in the lower-level Italian league, and she's had limited international playing time, so she's a bit of a high-upside wildcard pick here.
61 Vancouver Goldeneyes
Ashley Messier, D, Minnesota Duluth/Cornell (2002)
Scouting report: A really excellent distributor and smooth skater who reads the game well. Messier is only 5’3” and may need time to adjust to the physicality of the PWHL, but she has all the skills to be successful. She’s a willing shot-blocker who’s quick to recover the puck and transition it up-ice, and rarely takes penalties.
Read VP's 2019 profile of Messier, who spoke about the then-distant dream of a professional league.
End of Round 5
60 Montreal Victoire
Erica Rieder, D, Luleå HF/University of Manitoba (1996)
Scouting report: An experienced defender who performed consistently in all five years at the University of Manitoba, before five years of professional hockey in the SDHL. She's a good risk to take for a blue line that skews young.
59 Ottawa Charge
Neena Brick, F, MoDo/Cornell (2003)
Scouting report: A bit of a high-risk, high-reward offensive player, Brick has a knack for finding the back of the net, but her game isn’t the most well-rounded at this stage. She has the potential to provide impressive depth scoring and is a smart player with a passion for the game and lots of growth potential, but may require careful deployment as she adapts to PWHL pressure. Really interesting late-round pick.
Check out VP's profile of Neena from 2021!
58 Boston Fleet
Jenna Goodwin, F, Frölunda HC/Clarkson University (2003)
Scouting report: Spent the last year in the SDHL after a career at Clarkson. Not a huge scorer or flashy player, but extremely good on the faceoff dot. Goodwin is speedy and understands the need to control the puck and build from possession.
57 Minnesota Frost
Darya Gredzen, G, Biryusa Krasnoyarsk/ROC National Team (2004)
Scouting report: Gredzen made her Olympic debut as a teenager. She’s done well in the ZhHL, but will be a bit of a question mark at this next level. As a right-catch goalie, she can provide some variety, and may prove worth the gamble with high upside.
56 Toronto Sceptres
Emerson O'Leary, F, Princeton (2004)
Scouting report: An adaptable playmaker, O'Leary projects as a depth forward in the PWHL. She's dependable, if not flashy.
55 New York Sirens
Grace Wolfe, D, St. Cloud State (2003)
Scouting report: Wolfe has consistently been among the shot block leaders, and seemed to grow in her confidence on offense and taking more shots. She was trusted on the power play as well, though projects as more of a stay-at-home defender at the next level, with growth potential.
9:46pm: Reactions added from Lily Shannon
Quotes from the San Jose draft pick
54 PWHL Hamilton
Emma-Sofie Nordström, G, St. Lawrence/Norway National Team (2002)
Scouting report: The starter her sophomore and junior seasons, she split time in her final year at St. Lawrence. At 5’10” she brings the size to deal with bigger players trying to block the crease and between the NCAA Tournament and national team work, she has a lot of experience with a lot of pressure and coming up big through a lot of traffic.
53 PWHL Las Vegas
Alexis Petford, F, Colgate/Stonehill (2004)
Scouting report: She was an elite scorer in college and that makes her a player we might see go in a later round. She probably needs to develop a more well-rounded game, but you cannot deny that she puts herself in the right position on ice and has a shot that can leave you speechless. She was underappreciated coming out of high school and didn’t get the four years of development her talent needed, so she might need more time than some are willing to give, but I also think she could be a bit of a sleeper pick. The jump from Stonehill to Colgate is no joke and it makes me believe she’ll be able to adapt here too.
9:37pm: More quotes
added reactions from Josifovic
52 PWHL San Jose
Mckenna Van Gelder, F, Cornell (2004)
Scouting report: Van Gelder has solid potential and could likely transition well to a depth role in the PWHL. She’s a reliable centre who’s strong on her stick and can win face-offs, and is rarely penalized. Unlikely to become a big scorer at this level, though she has a deceptive shot. I think she'll thrive on a Troy Ryan-led team.
9:31pm: Reactions from Katie DeSa
The Goldeneyes' newest goaltender.
51 PWHL Detroit
Sena Catterall, F, Clarkson (2001)
Scouting report: A solid player that’s not afraid to dig for the puck along the boards and behind the net, she had consistent if not spectacular numbers throughout college. I’m not sure she has matured in her game as much as teams might want, but I’m not sure she’s been super challenged, either. The fight is there and the rest can be coached. Could be a really great, gritty choice to take minutes and create production down the linesheet.
Reactions:
"I'm my hardest critic. I always expect the best out of myself, and really don't stop striving, really ever, because I never really think I've done enough."
9:25pm: Updated quotes
Reactions from MK O'Brien and Zoe Uens.
50 Seattle Torrent
Gracie Gilkyson, D, Yale (2003)
Scouting report: She showed positive and significant growth throughout her college career and stepped up as the level of play of the team advanced. She’s smart with the puck and doesn’t get easily rattled on either end of the ice. While she was more of a stay-at-home defender, she has grown the offensive side of her game and is finding more balance. She’s pretty fearless at shot blocking and very careful with the puck.
Reactions:
"I would consider myself a 200-foot player. I can play both sides of the puck, can be on the kill, the power play... Swiss Army knife maybe is a term I'd use."
49 PWHL Las Vegas (traded from Vancouver)
Kendall Butze, D, Penn State (2003)
Scouting report: The Penn State’s career-leader for points by a defender, she has great vision and a knack for distributing the puck and threading the needle. Uses her speed to be involved on offense while still being able to keep up with a break on defense. She showed in the Frozen Four that she can match up with bigger, stronger forwards and still be effective. A rink rat with a rabid love for the game, she’ll keep growing as a player.
Reactions:
"I definitely pride myself on playmaking, being creative with the puck on my stick, being creative with a puck off my stick. Off the ice, I just have a love for the game that is special. I have a very strong passion for the sport, and I’m just really excited to bring this to Vegas."
9:16pm: More reactions
Added quotes from 33rd pick, Maddie Christian
End of Round 4
48 Montreal Victoire
Hailey MacLeod, G, Ohio State/Minnesota Duluth (2004)
Ohio State coach Nadine Muzerall made a point throughout last postseason to mention her goalie and lament the lack of attention she’d been receiving for her stellar play. A possession-heavy team, OSU’s defense and goaltending can go overlooked, but MacLeod set a record for career wins in a season with 26 and finished third in the country with a 1.48 goals against average. Her team’s style meant she could go long stretches without a lot of action, which sometimes made her susceptible, but she’s very good with sustained pressure and when facing a high shot count.
Reactions:
"I think I bring a calm presence in the crease. That's something that I like to have in my game, just having an even keel presence for the team."
"They've always been a good team in this league, and for them to win the Walter Cup this year, and finally get what they deserve... They've been a very competitive team in this league this whole time, and it's just incredible to watch them play, and to be a part of this program."
47 Ottawa Charge
Victoria Mariano, D, Northeastern (2003)
Scouting report: A physical defender who can interrupt play and should do well with the higher level of contact, Mariano took a year off after graduation to finish her degree. Over her career she grew into being able to be more offensive in terms of the breakout and finding those outlet passes, but that likely will be less pronounced at the next level.
Reactions:
"I'm so surprised, but I'm so grateful at the same time. I mean, I took a year off, and this is everything I could have wanted. So, I'm just so grateful to be here."
On what she learned in the past year training alone: "I think it definitely made me way more mature. I mean, I am trained by myself, and there's no one there that's like, 'you need to be there, you need to show up'. I'm my own coach, ultimately. So I feel like I just learned a lot, and I learned to enjoy the process more, and just what it takes. "
9:10pm: Quotes added from DiAntonio and Disher
See below!
46 Boston Fleet
Jaden Bogden, F, Northeastern/Clarkson (2002)
Scouting report: Another player who may prove successful in the league thanks to size, she became better at feeding the puck and supporting her linemates in her two years at Northeastern after scoring just 19 points in three seasons at Clarkson.
45 Minnesota Frost
Tova Henderson, D, Minnesota Duluth (2004)
Scouting report: A simple, straightforward defender that’s trustworthy and won’t try to get too cute with the puck, she’s a defense-minded coach’s dream. But she’s also the player that scored back-to-back game-winning overtime goals against Minnesota last season. That hadn’t much been a part of her collegiate game, but a savvy coach will nourish that part of her game and make her an even more dynamic player to have on their roster. The vision and instincts are there, but that wasn’t the role she served with UMD.
Reactions:
"I'm a defensive defenseman. I love shutting down rushes, I love a physical game. NCAA limited physicality a bit, so being able to be physical in PWHL is something I look forward to."
44 Toronto Sceptres
Jane Kuehl, F, Princeton (2003)
Scouting report: Kuehl may have been overshadowed by some bigger names at Princeton, but she was a solid contributor that played alongside Wunder. She's a strong shot-blocker who showed consistent growth in her time at Princeton.
43 New York Sirens
Katelyn Roberts, F, Penn State (2004)
Scouting report: She has a heavy shot and is a power player whose coach said she has elite passing. She should take well to the PWHL’s contact and she’s already got experience supporting a more gifted, creative linemate. She’s smart with the puck and when it’s on her stick, things happen for her team. But she can get static and caught out because of it.
42 PWHL Hamilton
Megan Woodworth, F, University of Connecticut (2003)
Scouting report: Well-rounded forward with a defensively-responsible game. Very willing to block shots. She didn't score a ton, but stepped up in big moments. At the next level, likely projects as a bottom-six forward; Woodworth is hard-working and even if she isn't putting up points, can eat minutes without being a liability.
8:46pm: Reactions from Bouveng and Biederman
See below!
41 PWHL Las Vegas
Saskia Maurer, G, SC Bern/St. Thomas/Swiss National Team (2001)
Scouting report: I probably say some version of this in every goalie paragraph this draft, but I’m really unsure how this will go for this very big and talented incoming goalie class. There are simply a limited number of spots. If I’m a coach looking to create a solid goaltending corps, I’m choosing a player like Maurer who has proven herself at the international level. She faced some of the best in the game regularly in the WCHA and then proved to be a great partner for Brändli with Switzerland.
40 PWHL San Jose
Lily Shannon, F, Northeastern (2003)
Scouting report: With time at both center and wing in college, she brings some versatility alongside her 5’11” frame. Moves well despite her size and uses her long reach alongside good hands to be able to move the puck from defenders and through traffic. Her team’s style wasn’t overly physical, so there could be some transition as she faces more resistance from opponents than she’s used to.
Reactions:
"I love scoring, obviously, but I take pride in playing the D-zone, penalty kill, all that, taking systems in. As my Northeastern coach said, the D-zone is the most important zone in hockey, and I am a firm believer in that. You've got to be able to get the puck out of the D-zone in order to get in the O-zone and produce. So, [San Jose is] going to be getting someone that's going to be a 200-foot player. I'm going to want to score, I want to get up there, but I'm going to hustle back and get that puck out of the D zone."
8:36pm: More reactions
Quotes (and some fun facts!) from Emerson Jarvis and Tia Chan
39 PWHL Detroit
Kyla Josifovic, F, Connecticut (2003)
Scouting report: A leader on and off the ice for UConn in her senior season, her height (5’11”) and her ability at the net front is what will make her most appealing to PWHL teams. She can claim and take up space and had success receiving the puck and being able to put it in the net from that position.
Reactions:
"I think I'm someone who doesn't back down from pressure. When something important is happening. I don't get nervous too much, and I just thrive under pressure. Also, having the support from all my teammates and all my coaches, that's something that has really brought me to the next level."
8:28pm: Reactions from Montreal's second-round pick
Quotes from Avi Adam added below
38 Seattle Torrent
Grace Elliott, F, University of British Columbia (2003)
Scouting report: Elliott stands out, literally: at 6’2”, she’s seen plenty of success from setting up at the top of the crease, screening goalies and tipping in pucks. She was last year’s top scorer in U Sports and finished third in the country this season, but in addition to points, she’s also racked up penalty minutes – including a concerningly high number of head contact minors. To have success in the PWHL, Elliott will need to get a better handle on using her size effectively.
8:26pm: Updates from Borgiel and Ray
See below!
37 Vancouver Goldeneyes
Katie DeSa, G, Penn State (2004)
Scouting report: She was less challenged than some of the other NCAA goalies on this list over the course of her career as Penn State dominated their conference, but she proved over the last two seasons that she’s up to the challenge of tougher opponents as PSU made it through the NCAA Tournament. She was spectacular against Wisconsin in the national semifinal.
Reactions:
"It's definitely been a long time coming. It was a goal ever since the league got announced a few years back, and I just can't believe that it's actually happening."
On her style: "Nothing too crazy, not a lot of theatrics, hopefully just some solid play and some good saves."
End of Round 3
36 Montreal Victoire
Zoe Uens, D, Quinnipiac (2003)
Scouting report: A solid defensive pick up with a ton of upside that could be a steal later in the draft. She’s a great shot-blocker who stepped up on offense this season, adding 10 goals after scoring just four during her first three seasons. She’ll take valuable minutes for a team without them giving up anything on defense.
Reactions:
"I pride myself on the defensive zone, for sure. I like to block shots, I like to do all the gritty things that need to happen in the D-zone, but I think this past season I took a step forward when I came to offense as well, and I want to continue to take that into the next level."
"[Offence is] definitely something I've been working on for a long time. it so happened that I took a step forward this year. But it all came from making simple plays and just doing things that I've been doing for a couple years. It might have went in the back of the net a little bit more, but it's things that I can continue to do as well."
35 Ottawa Charge
Tereza Pištěková, F, SDE HF (2005)
Scouting report: One of the youngest players in the draft and already a veteran of three World Championships and the Olympics. She's already good and has got huge potential, and ideally will be someone who can grow with the team.
8:15pm: Quotes from Elisa Holopainen added
See below!
34 PWHL Detroit (traded from Boston)
Mary Kate O’Brien, F, Minnesota Duluth (2002)
Scouting report: She seems like the kind of player a coach would love. She’s not going to blow anyone away with slick moves, but she’s smart, solid and reliable. She’s going to put pressure on the forecheck, always be involved and fight for the puck all over the ice. She was the soul of the Bulldogs and team captain her final season. She is diligent and detailed and opportunistic.
Reactions:
"I bring a lot of passion, a lot of tenacity. I play a 200-foot game, and I take pride in that. Being able to contribute in any way I can is something that I really take pride in."
8:08pm: Updates
Reactions from Sloane Matthews and Thea Johansson.
33 Minnesota Frost
Maddie Christian, F, Penn State (2003)
Scouting report: An underrated part of the Nittany Lions this season, she’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but she’s got a very good shot and instincts for when to unleash it, was a player that melded well with her linemates to create an attack that was better than the sum of its parts and isn’t afraid to get in front of a shot and provide a block on defense. I think she’s able to create chemistry with whomever she plays with and that adaptability can be really important in the PWHL.
Reactions:
"I don't know if it's added pressure (going home to play in Minnesota), but I think it's more of just an excitement being able to be back in Minnesota and play in front of all the people that I grew up playing with or against."
8:04pm: Updated quotes
Reactions from Sydney Morrow and Andrea Brändli added below.
32 Toronto Sceptres
Brooke Disher, D, Ohio State/Boston University (2004)
Scouting report: She’s not necessarily going to catch your eye in a game, but she is going to solidly do her job and make sure you don’t see her because of a mistake. She’s sturdy and strong shoulder to shoulder, does a good job forcing play outside and brings the fitness, focus and forecheck you’d expect from an Ohio State alum.
Reactions:
"They can expect someone who's going to compete as hard as they can in every game, every situation. I'm just really excited to be learning from the vets there, and to get started."
31 New York Sirens
Carina DiAntonio, F, Yale (2004)
Scouting report: A top-tier playmaker, she’s a very good skater that moves the puck well in tight spaces as well as reframing the ice east to west. She’s very good at finding paths to the net front both with passes and shots and with the puck on her stick. She’s good enough to take all the shots herself and smart enough to see when her footwork has drawn the defender and left open ice for a teammate. It will be fun to see her on the ice with players that anticipate and share her vision.
Reactions:
"I definitely have good hockey IQ, and being able to use that to my advantage, kind of seeing plays develop and being able to make the right pass. So looking forward to using that in the PWHL."
30 PWHL Hamilton
Elyssa Biederman, F, Colgate (2004)
Scouting report: Smaller in stature and may have some work to do in terms of handling the physicality, but she’ll use her speed to avoid a lot of contact. She was a great foil to Kalty Kaltounková when they were at Colgate together. She’ll be all over the ice with a hard forecheck looking to pick off the puck and isn’t afraid to get involved on the backcheck and on defense. My instinct says she’s going to surprise a lot of people and be an important piece for whoever ends up with her, even at just 5’1”.
Reactions:
"I like to play with speed, I like to be a playmaker, and I would say I'm a really complete player, so I'm going to play a 200 foot game. I'm skilled, I'm tenacious, I'm feisty, and even though I'm little, I like to play a physical game."
7:52pm: Reactions from Petra Nieminen added
Under the 12th pick heading.
29 PWHL Las Vegas
Josefin Bouveng, F, Minnesota/Sweden National Team (2001)
Scouting report: A smart and fast player with great instincts and precision in her passes. She was the best wing partner Abbey Murphy had at Minnesota and they complemented each other - Bouveng could keep up, support and take defensive attention from Murphy. She has a heavy shot and is a threat on her own, not just as a foil to her linemates. An older rookie at 25, she has played in the last two Olympics with Sweden.
Reactions:
"Obviously I haven't played in this league before, but I think having that experience with those big tournaments can help, especially with a new organization that doesn't have any really established players yet, and that have played there before."
7:48pm: Quotes coming...
Reactions from Vivian Jungels and Issy Wunder added below.
28 PWHL San Jose
Tia Chan, G, Connecticut (2002)
Scouting report: I remain unsure on how to compare goalies overall. Chan was good in college, but there are limited spots and a lot of really good goalies available. I can see someone taking her late and seeing how she adapts in camp, but I’m just not convinced that good in college is enough for a goalie in this league. She's played internationally for China in the past, though got most of her starts at the D1A and D1B levels.
Reactions:
"The Olympics was an amazing experience, I think there I learned the definition of true hard work. There were players that I played with that went 24/7 on the game, nutrition, sleep, all of it. Before my definition of hard work was like working hard in the weight room and training hard, practicing hard, and they just demolished that definition."
27 Boston Fleet (traded from Detroit)
Leah Stecker, D, Penn State (2003)
Scouting report: Physical, primarily defensive defender who blocks shots and has a strong stick that helps her pick off passes. She's also spent time at forward, and is really good in possession. Does well to read the ice on zone entries and pinch players along the board. Can elevate her game to meet those around her, and in turn helps elevate them.
7:34pm: More reactions
Quotes from Sara Swiderski and Grace Dwyer added below.
26 Seattle Torrent
Emerson Jarvis, F, Quinnipiac/Ohio State (2004)
Scouting report: Her speed alone makes her draft-worthy and could make her the kind of pick we look back and on and say “wow, I can’t believe she was around that long.” She may not be 100% league ready and need a little work with refining her skills and channeling them into the right lanes for the PWHL, but she’s a hard-worker with great instincts. She’s a no-brainer pick up for me because of the massive upside.
Reactions:
"I'd like to get involved in the community. I have a lot of hobbies outside of hockey too, and outside of my skating on the ice. I'm pretty crafty, I like jewelry – I made all my jewelry tonight, and I sew a little but too. Last night I had a bit of a dress malfunction, so I had to get the thread and needle out and get to work. But I [look forward to] just getting involved in the community in different ways as well."
25 Vancouver Goldeneyes
Jules Constantinople, D, Northeastern (2003)
Scouting report: The Hockey East Defender of the Year has great vision on the ice and uses it on both sides of the puck. She’s great at reading offense, getting into lanes, blocking shots and interrupting the flow. On offense, she seems able to pick her spot, sending passes to her forwards and setting them up for scoring chances.
7:26pm: Reactions added
Quotes from Nelli Laitinen, Emma Peschel, and Kirsten Simms added below.
End of Round 2
24 Montreal Victoire
Avi Adam, F, Cornell (2004)
Scouting report: She’s a well-rounded and reliable player who will contribute offensively and be very good on the defensive side of things. She played on both sides of the Big Red’s special teams and was a standout in the team’s biggest moments in her senior season. I think there’s still room for offensive growth for her - Cornell is a defense-first team and Adam could use a boost in the confidence to trust her shot and instincts on offense.
Reactions:
"I would say I'm fast and physical player. I play a 200-foot game. I like to play defence for sure. I think that defence is the best form of offense, so I've kind of led from there, but I definitely am excited for the physical side of the PWHL."
"I had a good call with Montreal. It left a lasting impression. Their questions were really unique, so it kind of stuck in my head for a while. I really had to think before I answered on the call, and I valued that because I thought they wanted to know me as a person and not just as a hockey player. I think that's really important to get to know your players away from the rink, and I felt they care, which is important to me."
23 Ottawa Charge
Jordan Ray, F, Yale (2004)
Scouting report: You’ll notice her speed first, but it’s her control of it with and without the puck that makes her a really good prospect. It usually takes a while through development for the speed and hands to work well together, but Ray has had both for a while now. She’s lethal in transition with her pace and her ability to vary it alongside lateral movement and vision for finding her teammates. She’s a reliable scorer who could probably trust her shot even more, but I also love that she has the confidence in how she moves to see the lanes and openings she creates and distributes the puck the best way to exploit those.
Reactions:
"I definitely think that I am very fast in my game, but also, to have the ability to slow the game down when you have the puck and to analyze the plays and see what's open and see what's not, or to slow down on the pivot, acceleration to separate yourself from a player, is definitely something I've been working on a lot, and something that I think will translate very well to the league"
22 PWHL Detroit (traded from Boston)
Casey Borgiel, D, Colgate/Holy Cross (2004)
Scouting report: A local product for the draft host, Borgiel is a mobile defender who stepped up her game upon transferring to Colgate. She's physical and uses it to her advantage, without becoming a liability. Good with puck possession and always looking to start the breakout.
Reactions:
"To be drafted to Detroit... I grew up an hour away, I used to literally practice in the same facility I'm hopefully going to be practicing in again, so it's like almost a full circle moment. Manon was my first girls' hockey coach, so it's just kind of crazy that she's called my name out there."
21 Minnesota Frost
Viivi Vainikka, F, Brynäs IF/Finland National Team (2001)
Scouting report: At just 24, she’s already played in two Olympics and four World Championships, earning a bronze in Beijing. After four years with Luleå in the Swedish league, where she won the title each year, she moved to Brynäs where she helped them win their first title and was named Playoff MVP after scoring seven goals and adding six assists in the 10 game postseason, including the championship-winning goal. Despite a smaller frame, she protects the puck well, isn’t afraid to fight along the boards and behind the net. She reminds me of Kirsten Simms in her ability to find space where there is none and move the puck through traffic. Some of the SDHL’s best have not been able to make the transition, so there may be trepidation from teams, but she seems like a good bet, especially for a team willing to work with her specifically on the transition to different ice.
20 Toronto Sceptres
Jamie Nelson, F, Minnesota/Minnesota State (2002)
Scouting report: Nelson is an intriguing player who has gotten looks from USA Hockey and seemed to try and add to her game with a fifth-year at Minnesota. She was the focus of the offense at Mankato and won the team’s first-ever WCHA Rookie of the Year Award, but was in a more secondary role with the Gophers. She’s a reliable 200-foot player that won’t be a defensive liability.
Reactions:
"I think that I gained a lot of confidence, and I learned that I can be successful in every role that I'm given. When I came into Minnesota, I was getting on average 10 minutes a game, which I was completely happy with, but then I saw my role change by the end of the season. It just gave me a lot of confidence that I could be on a roster with that many good players and also be relied upon and see myself produce the way that I did – I had a career year, and it just felt like everything kind of fell into place."
19 New York Sirens
Elisa Holopainen, F, Frölunda HC/Finland National Team (2001)
Scouting report: Holopainen is a quick, crafty player who excels at finding open lanes. She does well with moving her feat to deceive defenders, and has a strong shot with a quick release. Possibly one of the most underrated players in this draft, she has the potential to be an elite scoring forward in the PWHL.
Reactions:
On what she's excited about: "I would say everything. The professional league, the best league in the world, and to play with the best players."
18 PWHL Hamilton
Jade Iginla, F, Brown (2004)
Scouting report: After an excellent junior career, I’m not sure she ever reached where I thought she could in terms of goal-scoring, but she’s still a smart player who can move and hold on to the puck, read defenses well and may still find some more of that offense when the play is elevated. She is the kind of player that rises to the moment and she’d be reliable as a bottom six forward that gives her teammates a rest while not giving up possession or mistakes.
17 Vancouver Goldeneyes (traded from Las Vegas)
Thea Johansson, F, Minnesota Duluth/Mercyhurst/Sweden National Team (2002)
Scouting report: The move from Mercyhurst to UMD helped round out her game, adding more strength and stability and helping elevate her game through the quality of her linemates. But where she really shone this past year was in Milan. She would not have been my guess for highest-scoring Swede, but her three goals and four assists were good for fifth overall in scoring and tops for her team. Her first couple of steps help her create separation and she’s very good at finding space in tight.
Reactions:
About Vancouver: "I've heard it's kind of like Sweden."
16 PWHL San Jose
Sloane Matthews, F, Ohio State (2004)
Scouting report: Another player who might be overlooked in the face of bigger name teammates, Matthews was particularly potent on the OSU power play. With a smooth stride, she’s got breakout speed while being smart with the puck. A captain and 100-point scorer with the Buckeyes, Matthews was consistent and clean and she’s a good bet for bringing depth to the linesheet as well as the ability to reliably score.
Reactions:
"I think I bring a really strong defensive game, and then my offensive game, I like to beat players wide, using my speed and cutting in, driving the back post, so I think I can really use my skills and take them to San Jose and better the team."
6:41pm: Reaction from Lacey Eden
Quotes from Eden are being added under the fifth pick heading below!
15 PWHL Detroit
Andrea Brändli, G, Frölunda HC/Ohio State/Swiss National Team (1997)
Scouting report: Proved herself in college and then again in Milan. She’s used to high-volume shots and can steal a game with her play. She’s a calm and collected goalie - you’ll feel like she’s not making big saves because she makes them look routine. She reads the play well and is in the right spot.
Reactions:
"I was thinking about coming here before [winning Olympic bronze], but the bronze medal kind of was the tipping point when I was 100% sure that I will end up in this league, and I will end up as, hopefully, a starter. I fought for that, and I worked for that, and have been since. And now I'm here in Detroit, and I'm super excited to get started."
6:35pm: Reactions from Laila Edwards
Quotes being added under the 4th overall pick below!
14 Seattle Torrent
Sydney Morrow, D, Minnesota/Colgate/Ohio State (2004)
Scouting report: She bounced around a bit in college, but showed growth every season and seemed to settle in well at Minnesota. She’s not the most adept skater north/south or east/west but she has developed a lot of her other skills to try and compensate. She was also paired with Chloe Primerano the past two seasons, giving her a partner that could get back quickly. She may need a speedy defensive partner to mitigate her getting burned. She’s steady and simple on defense, using positioning well and blocking a lot of shots. She is quick with an outlet pass and able to hit both Primerano and Abbey Murphy with tape to tape passes in transition. She was trusted on the power play with her heavy shot and her ability to feed and support the forwards.
Reactions:
"I'd like to say that they got a defender who can play defence and also contribute offensively. I think one of the best aspects of my game is my vision and playmaking, so I hope to carry that to PWHL."
13 PWHL Las Vegas (traded from Vancouver)
Issy Wunder, F, Princeton (2003)
Because of the high profile of several players above her in the draft rankings, is likely a bit underrated and not getting the attention she should. She has a combination of speed, power, size and shot that should translate well to the PWHL. Her signature move might be driving up the middle and I’m not sure she’ll find that as successful in the pros, but that instinct to find a path to the net combined with her ability to hold the puck and hold off defenders while driving is crucial. If she develops a strong game along the boards and down low, she’ll be a long-time factor in the league.
Reactions:
"I try and bring compete, no matter what zone of the ice it is. Whether it's O-zone, D-zone, neutral zone, I try and just give 110% effort, so I'm always going to be competing, and hopefully putting some pucks in the net, too."
End of Round 1
12 Montreal Victoire
Petra Nieminen, F, Luleå HF/Finland National Team (1999)
Scouting report: A three-time Olympian and eight-year veteran of the SDHL, Nieminen is a well-rounded forward and among the best in the game. She’s smart, with the ability to float into soft spots and evade coverage, but is just as comfortable along the boards. Nieminen is not only an excellent scorer, but also a defensively-responsible centre who takes her role seriously on both sides of the puck. Though her professional experience has come on larger ice surfaces, she’s also thrived on North American ice in tournament play, and is well-equipped to jump into a leading role in the PWHL.
Reactions:
"It feels great to go in Montreal and be with the champions and help them to get another trophy."
"I'm a goal-scorer, but also I'm a pretty good [defensive] forward and can make the plays for the others."
"I can play with the puck, so I think I really could help for them to make nice plays and also score, so that's my big thing. And I have pretty good hockey IQ, so I can think a little ahead all the time on ice, so I think that helps me."
6:21pm - Timeout
Montreal has called its timeout! Will be interesting to see what they do...
11 Ottawa Charge
Vivian Jungels, D, Wisconsin (2003)
Scouting report: A former Minnesota Ms. Hockey, Jungels will be less-known to fans than many of her Badger teammates, but she was their go-to reliable defensive blue-liner for the past few seasons. She’s a good skater who can move laterally, doesn’t get easily rattled or bodied from the puck and can get involved on offense as needed. She had 19 goals - 5 of which were game-winners - in her career. Unlikely to catch your eye with flash, but you’ll also not notice her because of mistakes. She’ll be a solid pick to shore up the defense for anyone in the league.
Reactions:
"I'm looking to bring whatever the team needs. I take a lot of pride in my defensive ability for the team, and I'm looking to help them out on that aspect of the game."
10 Boston Fleet
Grace Dwyer, D, Cornell (2004)
Scouting report: As a general rule, I put high stock in defenders that were selected by and trained under Doug Derraugh. Dwyer seems unflappable. She doesn’t get pulled in easily, tracks the puck and the play well and is about as calm and steady as a defender can be. She’s going to stay at home and provide solid minutes.
Reactions:
"Definitely on the ice, I'm going to bring the compete, battle, be tough. But I think off the ice I'm a pretty calm, chill person"
6:09pm: Reactions from Tessa Janecke
Quotes being added under the 3rd overall pick below!
9 Minnesota Frost
Sara Swiderski, D, Ohio State/Clarkson (2004)
Scouting report: A strong U-18, she plateaued a bit early in her college career but seemed to come into her own at Ohio State. She can move up and get involved in the offense, but probably needs to get more confident in unleashing a shot, looking more for deflections and redirections than actual twine upon her release. She’s smart and steady and keeps a good balance between getting involved and being prepared for the breakout.
Reactions:
"Every player deals with setbacks in some sort of way in their career; obviously, it impacts each individual a little differently, but I think that getting here speaks a lot of hard work, a lot of determination."
6:06pm: Reactions from Abbey Murphy
Quotes being added under the 2nd overall pick below!
8 Toronto Sceptres
Kirsten Simms, F, Wisconsin/U.S. National Team (2004)
Scouting report: She’s an absolute magician with the puck on her stick. Her hands are stellar and help her be creative and lethal. She moves well through tight spaces, has elite edgework, is speedy, finds lanes no one else would consider possible and places the puck with precision. She proved to be clutch for the Badgers in the biggest ways. With some of the highest hockey IQ in the draft, she is adept at scoring and dishing the puck and uses her whole body to draw in or fool defenders. Others mention her size as a possible drawback, but she is well aware she’s not the biggest or fastest and has spent her career developing skills to help mitigate that. She handled contact in the WCHA and is honestly going to outskate and out-handle most folks who come for her.
Reactions:
"I'm excited overall to bring my style of game to the league in general, and whatever Toronto needs me for, and whatever they want me for, I will give them. At the same time, obviously I love to be offensive and have that skilled and creative side to my game, so I think I'm just excited to start playing in front of that fan base and show what I have and show what I'm able to do and what I'm capable of. I'm just happy that they took a chance on me and that they're pumped to have me as well, because I'm pumped to go there."
7 New York Sirens
Emma Peschel, D, Ohio State (2004)
Scouting report: If Harvey wasn’t in this draft, we’d all be talking about Peschel as the prime defensive prospect. She has long been very good, but she seemed to find another level to show off what makes her special in this year’s Frozen Four. Peschel brings a great mix of size and physicality on defense with mobility and a heavy shot on offense. She averaged more than a point per game this season and was second only to Harvey in defender scoring. She ran the Ohio State power play and was great in transition, one of OSU’s specialties. She’s smart, strong and aggressive and seems poised to make an immediate impact in the league.
Reactions:
"I pride myself on my two-way play. As my college years then progressed, I got more offensive, got more confidence, got more experience, and I think I want to continue that into the league, and I want to be able to make an impact right away, whether that's making the first pass on the breakout, playing simple and defensively..."
5:53pm: Reaction from KK Harvey
Quotes from Harvey are being added under the first pick heading below!
6 PWHL Hamilton
Nelli Laitinen, D, Minnesota/Finland National Team (2002)
Scouting report: Already a two-time Olympian for Finland at just 24 years old, she uses her body well to direct play and guide the offense to the boards. On a team that was at times too reliant on Abbey Murphy as a goal-scorer, Laitinen elevated her own offensive game over the past few seasons, culminating in 10 goals and 20 assists on just 75 shots. Her game has shown massive growth and maturing over the past year as she slowed things down and trusted her instincts to find passing lanes or open ice to step into.
Reactions:
"I feel like my offensive game has really been progressing all the time, and I'll need to continue that in the PWHL."
5 PWHL Las Vegas
Lacey Eden, F, Wisconsin (2002)
Scouting report: Even though she’s a first-round pick, I still think she’s been underrated by a lot of folks. I was shocked when she was left off the US roster for Milan. What I like about Eden is that she’s as likely to skate through several opponents, somehow keep her feet, come out with the puck and score a jaw-dropping goal as she is to be in the middle of a pileup along the boards, digging and fighting for the puck. She’s got stellar hands and the skating to keep up with what she can do on the puck. She’s creative and scrappy and I think she’s going to thrive in the PWHL.
Reactions:
"I want to be a player that helps build this franchise and helps put Vegas on the map as a contender when it comes to the end of the season. When it comes to the PWHL playoffs, I want to be there, and I want to be a big reason why Vegas is there."
4 PWHL San Jose
Laila Edwards, D, Wisconsin/U.S. National Team (2004)
Scouting report: I understand that her role with USA Hockey isn’t changing so I get that she’s been sort of forced into a defensive role but goodness does that feel like a waste. The hope is that she’ll continue to get comfortable as a blue-liner and therefore feel more like she can get in on the play offensively. Particularly considering her height and the reach she has with her stick, she’s quite good in tight spaces and close to her body. I like how she uses her leverage to pinch play to the outside. I would love to see her paired with a more mobile and speedy defender where they can ebb and flow with each other.
Reactions:
“I like to show a little bit of personality. I’d love to see this game get some more personality.”
3 PWHL Las Vegas (traded from Detroit)
Tessa Janecke, F, Penn State/US National Team (2004)
Scouting report: Abbey Murphy has been most people’s top offensive pick but for my money, I think I’d go with Janecke. She’s not quite as jaw dropping and creative, but she’s not far behind and she doesn’t spend nearly as much time in the penalty box. She plays older than she is - she has a complete, well-rounded game that feels veteran and mature. Her team stepped up around her at Penn State, but she still was at a different level and handled that load well. She brought the play of the people around her up and was a leader early on in that clubhouse. She’s fast and nimble with the puck while also being strong and heavy in her skates. She isn’t easily separated from the puck and despite being a massive offensive threat, does not give up ground on defense.
Reactions:
On being drafted to an expansion team: "It's awesome. To get to build a program, get to build a franchise, is something that's that's not come new to me, and I'm so excited to do that in Las Vegas as well."
"When you're building something, you learn how hard it can be at times, and not giving up, or transferring, or whatever the case may be. I think I'm going to take that with me, it takes so much hard work and adversity. Even if you're not winning games, to still make those around you feel like they belong and feel that sense of community in the team, that's very important to me."
2 Seattle Torrent
Abbey Murphy, F, Minnesota/U.S. National Team (2002)
Scouting report: Brash and audacious, she’s got the skills to back up the swagger. She’s a game-changer that can put a whole team on her back (and did more than a few times in her career at Minnesota). She’s creative with the puck and plays bigger than her size, often bullying her way through traffic and still coming out with the puck on her stick. An underappreciated part of her game is how patient she can be. With great vision and an innate ability to place the puck, when the lane isn’t there, she’ll use her speed and stick-handling to circle the zone until she sees the play she wants. It was astounding how often she was the best player on the ice and every opponent knew it and they still couldn’t contain her. She often struggled to stay on the right line of physicality in college and with more freedom in the PWHL, I fear she’ll push too far again. Limiting that tendency (and the penalty minutes that come with) will be key to her success in the league.
Reactions:
"I've never been to Seattle, but I've heard so many good things. Such a welcoming city where women's sports is prioritized – you don't get that a lot of places. I've had a lot of people text me in the last couple hours hoping for this to happen, and heard a lot of great things from Carp and Wilgrin and Emily Brown."
On joining a team featuring Hannah Murphy: "I might have to battle the other Murph for Murph."
1 Vancouver Goldeneyes
Caroline Harvey, D, Wisconsin/U.S. National Team (2002)
Scouting report: I’m certain there’s not much more about KK that I’ve not already written. She’s a generational talent and no one else comes close to the number of elite tools she brings. You build a team and a system around her, not the other way around. She broke the mold and changed what can be expected of a defender. And she’s still on the upswing of her career. Elite vision, speed, hands and skating.
Reactions:
"You have no idea until you officially hear it. This draft class is so deep."
Harvey went back into the draft room to hear best friend Laila Edwards' name get called. "I’m so proud. I’ve been watching her since she was 10. When I was drafted she said she was going to start crying and I said 'No, no, don’t ruin your makeup, you’re about to get drafted!'"
5:11pm: Round 1 Begins
The Vancouver Goldeneyes are on the clock, and taking far more of their five minutes than they need...
4:30pm – Hello!
Hi everyone! Kirsten here. The draft officially gets underway at 5pm ET, and Nicole is live in Detroit, where players and prospects are currently arriving on the red carpet. In the meantime, a quick catch-up on today's transactions:
- The Seattle Torrent announced that Aneta Tejralová, Emily Brown, and Theresa Schafzahl have all been re-signed to two-year contracts.
- The Vancouver Goldeneyes re-acquired Abby Boreen, who was selected by PWHL Las Vegas in the the Expansion Roster Completion. Las Vegas receives picks 13 and 49 in tonight's draft, while Vancouver receives both Boreen and the 17th overall pick.
- The Montreal Victoire announced that they've re-signed Abby Roque to a two-year contract.
