The Vancouver Goldeneyes have clinched the top pick in the upcoming 2026 PWHL Draft after a pivotal overtime victory against the Minnesota Frost. This win, coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s loss to the Montreal Victoire, allowed the Goldeneyes to secure their place at the forefront of the draft. Despite their inaugural campaign not concluding as the team had hoped, the top draft pick adds a silver lining to their season.
Vancouver Goldeneyes’ Season Highlights
Finishing sixth in the standings, the Goldeneyes surpassed the New York Sirens. They have a strong lineup set to return next season, anchored by standout players such as:
- Emerance Maschmeyer
- Tereza Vanisova
- Hannah Miller
- Sophie Jaques
- Ashton Bell (captain)
While expansion may affect their roster, Vancouver is optimistic about building on this talent moving forward.
Challenges Facing the Seattle Torrent
In stark contrast, the Seattle Torrent’s season came to a disheartening end. They finished last overall, setting a league record for most losses in a single season. Although they initially earned a head start on Vancouver in draft-order points, they could not secure enough points to improve their draft position.
2026 PWHL Draft Prospects
The Goldeneyes have a range of promising prospects to consider in the 2026 draft. Notable collegiate players include:
- Caroline Harvey – Wisconsin defender and reigning Patty Kazmaier Award winner, fresh off an NCAA Championship.
- Laila Edwards – Another skilled player from Wisconsin expected to be drafted early.
- Lacey Eden – A potential first-round pick from the same university.
- Abbey Murphy – A standout from the University of Minnesota, challenged to compete with Harvey for the top draft spot.
Gold Plan and Draft Order
Prior to the inaugural season, the PWHL introduced the Gold Plan, allowing teams out of playoff contention to accumulate draft-order points. The eliminated team collects points to determine the first overall pick. The Sirens previously claimed the No. 1 pick in each of the first two seasons, selecting innovative talents like Sarah Fillier and Kristyna Kaltounkova.
As the 2026 PWHL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Vancouver Goldeneyes and their strategy to leverage their top selection effectively.
