A Reunion of Champions
Detroit will host the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft on Wednesday, marking the first time the event is held in the city. The draft comes as the league has grown to twelve teams, adding four new franchises this offseason.
Five members of the U.S. Olympic gold‑medal winning squad will be back together, including forward Caroline Harvey, who was named tournament MVP, and defenseman Laila Edwards. Joining them are forwards Kirsten Simms, Abbey Murphy and forward Gina Kingsbury, all of whom contributed to the historic victory.
A Deep Talent Pool
The draft will draw from a rich reservoir of prospects, with American players such as Tessa Janecke, Lacey Eden, Emma Peschel and Sydney Morrow among the names floated as potential selections. The depth of the class reflects the growing investment in women’s hockey across the United States.
Beyond the United States, the event will spotlight international talent. Top‑ranked Canadians Sara Swiderski and Issy Wunder are expected to be among the early picks, while Swiss netminder Andrea Braendli could also hear her name called in the first round.
International Spotlight
European skaters add another layer of intrigue. Finland’s forwards Elisa Holopainen and Petra Nieminen are among the standout players who could reshape the competitive landscape. The mix of American, Canadian and European prospects promises a draft night full of surprises.
The draft’s location in Detroit underscores the league’s ambition to broaden its footprint, while the presence of high‑profile figures such as Hilary Knight and John Wroblewski adds star power to the proceedings. Fans will watch closely as the selections unfold, knowing that each pick could influence the balance of power in the newly expanded PWHL.