A Draft Defined by Regional Dominance
The recent Professional Women’s Hockey League draft turned into a showcase of Mid‑American collegiate power, with nine players hailing from Minnesota alone and a total of 72 prospects selected from 12 countries. The United States accounted for 31 of the draftees, while Canada contributed 30, underscoring the trans‑border talent pool that continues to expand the league’s competitiveness.
University of Wisconsin led the pack with five selections, followed closely by the University of Minnesota and Ohio State University, each contributing two players. Penn State rounded out the top tier with seven draftees, the most of any single institution, reflecting a deep well of talent across the collegiate landscape.
Among the headline acts, defenseman Caroline Harvey became the first defender ever chosen first overall, landing with the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Harvey’s 1.39 assists per game topped the nation last season and she also earned a spot on the 2026 Olympic Gold Medal team, a testament to her all‑around impact.
Forward Abbey Murphy, the first forward taken at No. 2 by the Seattle Torrent, brings a 40‑goal campaign from the previous season and is expected to anchor the Torrent’s offense. Tessa Janecke, the third overall pick by Las Vegas, posted 26 goals and 48 points in just 31 games, while defenseman Laila Edwards contributed 45 points in 28 games for the San Jose squad.
The draft also highlighted international representation, with Nelli Laitinen of Finland emerging as the top non‑North American prospect. Her 10 goals and 20 assists in 33 games caught the eye of scouts, while Emma Peschel became the first Minnesota‑born player selected, finishing her senior season with 39 points.
Other notable names include Lacey Eden, Wisconsin’s leading scorer and a fifth‑overall pick by Las Vegas, and Kirsten Simms, a Gold Medalist with Team USA who went eighth to the Toronto Sceptres. Sara Swiderski, the ninth overall selection by the Minnesota Frost, added eight goals and 19 assists in her final collegiate campaign.
The depth of talent was further illustrated by the presence of Vivian Jungels, the Ms. Hockey Award winner, who slipped to the 11th spot with Ottawa, and Grace Dwyer, who rounded out the first round. The breadth of experience across these prospects suggests a promising future for the PWHL, as teams look to blend skill, versatility and international flair.