The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft made headlines as five skaters from the University of Wisconsin were chosen in the opening round, underscoring the Badgers’ unrivaled pipeline of talent. It marked the most first‑round selections of any NCAA women’s hockey program, a testament to the school’s sustained dominance.
A Historic Night for Wisconsin
Among the draftees, Caroline Harvey became the first defender ever taken No.1 overall, while Laila Edwards earned the distinction of being the highest‑drafted Black woman in PWHL history. Both players have already added multiple national championships and international medals to their résumés, having contributed to Team USA’s gold‑medal performance in Milan and other tournaments.
Harvey’s collegiate career was marked by a ninth national title, a school‑record point total for a defender, and a season in which she led all NCAA defenders in scoring. Her on‑ice impact was recognized with the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year award and the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.
Edwards, celebrated for her versatility and defensive brilliance, was named tournament All‑Star at the 2026 Olympics and has been lauded for breaking barriers as a trailblazer for Black athletes in the sport.
Expanding the League’s Horizon
The PWHL, which began with six franchises, has now doubled in size, adding teams in Seattle and Vancouver before unveiling four more clubs in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose for the 2026‑27 season. The upcoming team names will be revealed this fall, promising new rivalries and greater visibility for women’s professional hockey.
Beyond the draft, the Badgers’ legacy extends to a roster of fourteen alumni already competing in the league, including all‑time leading scorer Hilary Knight. Their continued success fuels both the program’s recruiting pipeline and the broader movement toward gender equity in professional hockey.