Olympic Gold Medalists Head to PWHL Draft Class

The future of professional women's hockey just got a major boost. Five members of Team USA's 2026 Olympic gold medal squad are entering the Professional Women's Hockey League draft this June, with Wisconsin standout Caroline Harvey leading the pack.

Harvey capped off a remarkable year by winning the Patty Kazmaier Award as college hockey's best player after leading her team to a second straight NCAA championship. The 23-year-old defender earned tournament MVP honors at both the Olympics and in college, proving she can dominate at every level.

She won't be the only familiar face from Milan making the jump. Fellow Americans Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, Abbey Murphy, and Tessa Janecke are all part of the 235-player draft pool. All five helped Team USA claim gold just three months ago.

The league announced Tuesday that 23 Olympians total have declared for the draft, representing countries from Finland to Switzerland to Russia. That international star power is one reason the PWHL decided to expand from six to as many as ten teams next season.

Detroit will host the draft on June 17 and already secured an expansion franchise. Vancouver holds the number one pick, followed by Seattle, New York, and Toronto. The remaining selection order hasn't been announced yet since the playoffs are still underway.

The Ripple Effect

This draft class represents something bigger than individual talent. When Olympic champions choose to play professionally instead of stepping away from the sport, it validates the league and inspires the next generation of players.

The PWHL launched just two years ago, and already it's attracting the best players in the world. Top European talent like Sweden's Thea Johansson and Swiss goalies Andrea Braendli and Saskia Maurer are leaving their home leagues to compete in North America.

Even veterans see the opportunity. Canadian legend Meghan Agosta is declaring for the draft at 38, ready to resume her playing career in a league that finally offers professional stability.

The growth is working. This year's prospect pool of 235 players approaches the 268 who entered the league's inaugural 2023 draft, showing sustained interest despite the league's youth. With expansion teams joining and Olympic heroes leading the way, women's professional hockey is building the foundation it always deserved.