The 2025‑26 PWHL draft turned into a celebration for the University of Minnesota Duluth’s women’s hockey program, as four of its recent alumni heard their names called for the first ever professional women’s league.
Thea Johansson, the defenseman whose collegiate career was marked by steady growth, was selected 17th overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes, a franchise that has quickly become a focal point for Canadian fans.
A legacy of excellence
Mary Kate O’Brien, a forward known for her playmaking ability, earned a spot with the newly expanded PWHL Detroit, a team that is reshaping the league’s geographic footprint.
Tova Henderson, who chose to remain in Minnesota, will wear the Frost jersey, keeping a local rivalry alive and giving the state’s fans another home‑grown star to cheer.
Ashley Messier, a dynamic winger, followed Johansson to Vancouver, creating a familiar partnership that promises to blend collegiate chemistry with professional intensity.
The Bulldogs’ alumni presence ranked third among all collegiate programs in the league, underscoring the impact of the university’s coaching staff and development pathways.