The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced a record-breaking number of players for the upcoming 2026 PWHL Draft. A total of 235 players have officially declared, marking the largest pool of eligible talents since the league’s inception.
2026 PWHL Draft Details
The 2026 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. ET. The event will take place at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The Vancouver Goldeneyes will have the first overall pick in this significant draft.
Highlighted Players
Among the 235 draft-eligible players, several notable figures stand out:
- Five U.S. gold medalists from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games
- Caroline Harvey, the Tournament MVP and Best Defender, also a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner
- Other prominent players include Laila Edwards and Kirsten Simms from the University of Wisconsin, Tessa Janecke from Penn State, and Abbey Murphy from the University of Minnesota
- Multiple Olympians from various countries are included, such as:
- Finland: 4 players
- France: 1 player
- Germany: 5 players
- Italy: 3 players
- Japan: 1 player
- Sweden: 2 players
- Switzerland: 2 players, including bronze medalist Andrea Braendli
- Laura Fortino, a two-time Olympic medalist, and four-time Olympian Meghan Agosta are also in the draft.
Player Statistics
The talent pool consists of 129 forwards, 69 defenders, and 37 goaltenders. Notably, over 50% of these players come from NCAA programs, indicating a strong collegiate presence in the draft.
Ticket Information
The draft will be open to the public, with tickets available starting May 13 at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can purchase tickets through the official PWHL website.
The declaration of 235 players for the 2026 PWHL Draft demonstrates the growing interest and depth of talent in women’s hockey. This event is anticipated to be a landmark moment for the league.
