The 2026 Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft is set to take place on June 17, bringing together a deep pool of talent that has been building for years across the United States and Canada.
Among the names generating the most buzz is Caroline Harvey, a 20‑year‑old forward from Salem, New Hampshire, who has emerged as the consensus top prospect.
Harvey’s Rise Is Tied to International Success
Harvey’s profile received a major boost after she helped Team USA capture an Olympic gold medal earlier this year, a performance that highlighted her playmaking ability and defensive reliability.
Her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin further cemented her reputation, where she logged multiple point‑producing seasons and was repeatedly named to all‑star teams.
Local Roots, National Impact
The draft will also showcase a strong contingent of New England players, with several defensemen and forwards from the region expected to hear their names called.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes secured the first overall pick, a decision that reflects both the team’s ambition and the belief that Harvey can immediately elevate their roster.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the draft will reshape the league’s competitive balance, especially as the event promises to spotlight the growing depth of women’s hockey talent.