The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft made history as three standout players from Princeton University’s women’s ice hockey program heard their names called, marking a watershed moment for the Ivy League institution.
The Tigers capped a remarkable campaign by securing the Ivy League co‑championship, advancing to the ECAC semifinals and earning a berth in the NCAA tournament, a run that underscored the team’s depth and resilience.
Issy Wunder, the team’s leading scorer, was selected 13th overall by the Las Vegas team in the second round, a testament to her award‑winning performance that also earned her the Mandy Schwartz Award. Emerson O'Leary, who reached the 100‑point milestone as a senior, went 56th overall to the Toronto Sceptres, while Jane Kuehl, celebrated for her skating and infectious energy, was drafted 44th by the same club.
A Milestone Season for Princeton Hockey
Coach Courtney Kessel praised the trio for their contributions both on and off the ice, noting that their leadership helped reshape the program’s culture and set a new standard for future generations.
The inaugural PWHL season is slated to begin in late November, promising a new platform for the sport and giving these young athletes a chance to compete professionally while still honing their collegiate careers.