The recent PWHL draft reshaped the rosters of several teams, as former Penn State teammates Tessa Janecke and Leah Stecker discovered that their professional destinations would differ from the original Detroit selections. Both players had been slated to join the Detroit franchise, only to be redirected through trades that placed them on new squads across the league.
A Fresh Start in the West
Janecke, the third overall pick, will now wear the Las Vegas colors and share the locker room with teammate Kendall Butze. She expressed enthusiasm for the vibrant Las Vegas atmosphere and the chance to build a new identity within the league, while remaining eager to stay connected with her Penn State roots.
Stecker, drafted 27th overall by the Boston Fleet, will link up with veteran defenseman Megan Keller. The move allows her to remain close to her hometown of Randolph, New Jersey, while embracing the competitive environment of Boston, where she hopes to contribute immediately.
Looking Ahead
Both athletes voiced optimism about the professional prospects that lie ahead. Their journeys illustrate how trades can open unexpected pathways, offering fresh challenges and the opportunity to showcase their talents on different stages within the Premier Women's Hockey League.