A Draft Prospect with a Purpose
The 2026 Premier Women’s Hockey League draft will take place at Detroit’s historic Fox Theater, where 236 aspiring professionals will await their names to be called. Among them are Michigan State standouts Jullia Gross‑Turkey and Asher Printzen, each poised to turn a collegiate journey fraught with obstacles into a professional debut.
Gross‑Turkey, who spent a season at Indiana Tech before joining the Spartans, has paid more than $3,000 out of pocket to cover expenses for her final year in East Lansing. Her determination to chase a pro contract reflects a broader ambition to break financial barriers that have long shadowed women’s hockey.
Beyond the Ice
Printzen, a four‑year Spartan who experienced a stark contrast in resources compared to the University of Michigan, spent a post‑collegiate season playing overseas in Spain. She now sees the PWHL as a tangible pathway for the next generation of girls to envision a career on the ice.
Joining them as a fellow prospect, former teammate Ashley Episcopo adds depth to a draft class that aims to do more than fill rosters — it seeks to amplify visibility for women’s sport and to mentor young athletes who look up to these role models.
Both players credit grassroots networks and relentless tenacity for their progress. They also point to the support structures provided by the American Collegiate Hockey Association and the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association, organizations that have helped bridge gaps in competition and development.
As the draft night approaches, the excitement in Detroit is palpable. For Gross‑Turkey, Printzen and their peers, the moment represents not just a personal milestone but a beacon for every young girl who dreams of skating under professional lights.