Where Dreams Meet Opportunity: Inside the 2026 PWHL Draft
By Jacqueline Bono.
June 17 will see the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, host the 2026 PWHL Draft. This year, a record 235 players have declared for the draft, including 23 Olympic athletes. The group features 127 forwards, 68 defenders, and 40 goaltenders, with more than 50% of draft-eligible players coming from NCAA programs. All eligible players officially declared for the draft by the May 8 deadline, with the Vancouver Goldeneyes holding the first overall pick.
Many of the players are eagerly awaiting their fate. “The draft is such an exciting time, with so many possibilities for all of the prospects. It is such a cool experience, and I’d encourage them to take it all in and enjoy the process! I was so happy to be drafted by Minnesota. I’ve loved my time here and wouldn’t trade it for the world!” Nicole Hensley tells Rafters Collective. The former goalie with the Minnesota Frost has now signed with PWHL Las Vegas.
Photo by Jay Ruzicka | The Shot Magazine
The draft not only gives players a new home, but it also helps the PWHL grow, creating opportunities for future generations of athletes.
“The growth and trajectory of women’s hockey and women’s sports in general means so much for the next generation of girls,” said India McDadi, a forward from Brown University entering the draft for the first time. “It’s exciting to be part of a moment where women’s sports are finally getting the visibility and respect they’ve always deserved. The draft represents a huge opportunity and milestone for athletes like myself to hopefully continue playing the sport they love at the highest level. It’s exciting to see how much the game has already grown, and even more exciting to think about where it’s headed in the future.”
Photo by Jay Ruzicka | Brown Athletics
And she’s right—with every season that passes, more talented athletes will enter the draft, helping shape the PWHL into an increasingly competitive league.
The draft will be held at 5 p.m. ET at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. You can stream the event for free on PWHL’s Youtube Channel.