A Historic Night for the Badgers
The 2026 Professional Women's Hockey League Draft unfolded under bright lights in Detroit, where the league celebrated its fourth season of operation. For the Wisconsin Badgers, the evening turned into a showcase of elite talent as five former student‑athletes heard their names called in the first round, a feat that underscored the program’s rising prominence.
First‑Round Selections
Caroline Harvey made history as the first Badger and the first defender ever to be selected first overall, earning a spot with the Vancouver franchise. Joining her, Laila Edwards slipped to the fourth pick, landing with San Jose, while Lacey Eden followed at fifth to Las Vegas. Kirsten Simms was taken eighth by Toronto, and Vivian Jungels rounded out the opening round at eleventh for Ottawa.
Records and Reach
Harvey’s ascent was underpinned by a record‑breaking collegiate career in which she amassed 64 points on the blue line, surpassing the previous single‑season defensive scoring mark. Her career totals now sit at 201 points, and she earned three‑time ACHA First‑Team All‑American honors. Edwards, a pioneering figure as the first Black woman to wear the U.S. senior national team jersey, concluded her college tenure with 199 points and an Olympic gold medal. Eden, who topped the nation with 77 points, finished her Wisconsin career with 245 points, placing her third in school history, and collected ACHA First‑Team All‑American recognition.
Milestones on the Ice
Simms etched another milestone by scoring her 100th career goal in overtime during the national semifinal, a moment that helped propel the Badgers to the championship game. Jungels, meanwhile, holds the program’s all‑time plus/minus record at +218 and has led the team in blocked shots over the past two seasons, tallying 118 in 80 games.
The draft’s impact extends beyond individual accolades. It marks the culmination of a pipeline that saw eighteen Badgers skating in the PWHL during the 2025‑26 season, reflecting the league’s expanding reach into collegiate talent. As the PWHL enters its fourth year, the influx of high‑caliber players promises to elevate competition and inspire the next generation of women’s hockey athletes.