A dream realized on home ice
Kirsten Simms, a Plymouth native, has already etched her name in American women’s hockey history. She captured Olympic gold with Team USA and secured back‑to‑back NCAA championships during her tenure at the University of Wisconsin. Now, the standout forward is poised to trade collegiate skates for a professional contract as she prepares for the inaugural PWHL Draft.
The journey to this moment has felt surreal, Simms says. From the roar of the crowd in Beijing to the quiet evenings in Madison, each milestone has reinforced her belief that the sport is finally gaining the platform it deserves. ‘It’s been a dream I never thought I’d see,’ she reflects, citing the growing visibility of women’s hockey as a catalyst for her ambition.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League, which launched its first season in 2024, promises a sustainable future for elite female players. With the recent announcement that Detroit will field a franchise beginning in the 2026‑27 campaign, Simms sees a unique opportunity to bring top‑level hockey to the Midwest. ‘Playing in front of family and friends in my home state would be an indescribable honor,’ she notes.
The draft itself is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, and will take place at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre. Simms, projected as a first‑round selection, will join a cohort of talent poised to shape the league’s competitive landscape. The event marks not only a personal milestone but also a symbolic bridge between collegiate success and professional aspiration.
Beyond the draft, Simms is excited about the broader implications for the sport. She believes that the PWHL’s model — combining competitive play with professional development — will inspire the next generation of girls to pick up a stick and chase their own dreams. ‘Seeing a clear pathway to a career in hockey changes everything,’ she says.
As the league expands, stakeholders from Team USA to the University of Wisconsin continue to champion the growth of women’s hockey. Their support, alongside that of the PWHL, underscores a collective commitment to elevating the game on a national stage.