Detroit Hosts Historic PWHL Draft
The 2026 draft of the Professional Women’s Hockey League unfolded inside the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, drawing a crowd that felt more like a celebration than a routine selection process. Seventy‑two players were chosen across six rounds, each representing a blend of collegiate excellence, international experience and professional pedigree.
Caroline Harvey, a 23‑year‑old defender from Salem, New Hampshire, became the first overall pick, chosen by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Her Olympic gold medal with Team USA and Tournament MVP award added a narrative of excellence to the opening selection, and she made history as the first defender ever drafted first overall in a PWHL Entry Draft.
The draft also introduced the league’s first international player, Finland’s Nelli Laitinen, taken sixth overall by PWHL Hamilton, and the first goaltender, Andrea Brändli of Switzerland, selected 15th by PWHL Detroit, highlighting the growing global footprint of women’s hockey.
Beyond the headline names, the event showcased a diverse array of talent: Abbey Murphy, a forward from the United States, went second overall to Seattle Torrent, while three Michigan natives were chosen in front of a hometown audience, and Canada’s Sara Swiderski became the first Canadian defender taken.
A Global Talent Pool
The class of 2026 spans eight countries, includes 14 Olympians, and features 59 players from NCAA programs across 19 institutions, as well as standout selections from U SPORTS and professional leagues in Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Denmark and Russia. This breadth of participation underscores the league’s expanding reach and the depth of talent available for the next era.
Organizations ranging from the Professional Women’s Hockey League itself to universities such as the University of Wisconsin Badgers, Ohio State, and the University of Minnesota have partnered with the league, underscoring the collaborative ecosystem that sustains the sport.
Fans and analysts alike are watching how these new faces will shape the upcoming season, with the league’s partnership with Upper Deck adding a commercial dimension that could further elevate the visibility of women’s professional hockey.