When the Las Vegas franchise called her name at the 13th overall pick, Issy Wunder felt the culmination of a path that began on the frozen rinks of Toronto and sharpened on the storied fields of Princeton University.
A Collegiate Legacy
During her tenure with the Princeton Tigers, Wunder amassed 146 points, including 70 goals and 76 assists, earning Ivy League Player of the Year honors and a first‑team All‑ECAC selection. Her team captured a share of the ECAC Hockey regular‑season championship and secured the program’s first NCAA tournament berth since 2019, finishing the season 23‑11.
Beyond statistics, Wunder’s impact resonated through mentorship and community service. She volunteered with youth hockey programs in Toronto, guiding the next generation of players while maintaining a 3.92 GPA, a testament to her dedication both on and off the ice.
Draft Day and New Beginnings
The draft night in Detroit was a family affair, with her parents and brother watching proudly as she joined a league that promises to reshape women’s professional hockey. Joining forces with former teammates Maggie Connors and Sarah Fillier, Wunder will now wear the Las Vegas colors alongside players such as Emerson O’Leary and Mackenzie Alexander, who have long served as distributors and role models within the group.
Wunder’s transition is not just a personal milestone but also a contribution to an expanding culture. As an inaugural member of the Las Vegas franchise, she sees an opportunity to help define the team’s identity, foster camaraderie, and push the pace of play to new heights.
Looking Ahead
In the off‑season, Wunder is intensifying her training, focusing on confidence building, off‑puck movement, and adapting to the faster, more physical style of professional hockey. Her goal is clear: to refine her skills, support her teammates, and leave a lasting imprint on the league’s first season.