The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft opened with a historic moment as Olympic gold‑medalist Caroline Harvey, a defenseman from the United States, was selected first overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Her achievement underscored the growing prominence of American players on the world stage.
The opening round proved to be a showcase for U.S. talent, with nine American prospects hearing their names among the first 15 selections. Abbey Murphy went second to the Seattle Torrent, while Tessa Janecke slipped to third with PWHL Las Vegas, and Laila Edwards followed at fourth to PWHL San Jose. Lacey Eden rounded out the top five when the Boston Fleet drafted her fifth, continuing the cascade of U.S. prospects.
Beyond the top five, the draft continued to reflect the depth of American hockey. Emma Peschel, Kirsten Simms, Grace Dwyer and Vivian Jungles were among the later first‑round picks, and the second round added five more U.S. players, including Sydney Morrow at 14th to Seattle and Sloane Matthews at 16th to San Jose. The third and fourth rounds contributed additional American talent, bringing the total number of U.S. selections to 31 across all seven rounds.
Many of the draftees were instrumental in Team USA’s gold‑medal run at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, a performance that helped cement the nation’s dominance in women’s hockey. Players such as Harvey, Murphy, Janecke, Edwards and Simms led the charge, and their draft fortunes now hinge on how quickly their professional teams integrate them into competitive lineups.
The draft also highlighted the expanding reach of the PWHL, which now boasts franchises in markets ranging from Seattle to Ottawa, and from Las Vegas to San Jose. With a growing pool of elite American prospects, the league is poised to deepen its talent base and challenge the traditional power structures of women’s professional hockey.
A New Era for Women’s Hockey
Caroline Harvey’s selection as the first overall pick signals more than just a personal milestone; it marks a turning point for the sport. As the league’s inaugural draft under the new collective bargaining agreement, the event underscores a commitment to professional development and visibility for female athletes.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely how these newly drafted players adapt to the rigors of the PWHL. Their collegiate performances, international experience, and leadership on the world stage suggest that the upcoming season could feature some of the most competitive and exciting hockey the league has ever seen.