The NCAA women’s hockey season is over. Championships are on the line. But for many players, the real question is: What’s next?
Some will go pro in the PWHL. Others might head to Europe. A few could surprise everyone and return to college. Overall, there’s some serious talent ready to make the leap into this year’s Draft.
ECAC: The Talent Factory
If you’re looking for first-round picks, start here.
Colgate’s Kristyna Kaltounkova and Clarkson’s Haley Winn and Nicole Gosling are top-tier talents. Quinnipiac’s Kendall Cooper and Colgate’s Hannah Murphy are also PWHL-ready.
Then there’s Abby Hustler (St. Lawrence) and Anna Segedi (St. Lawrence). They might go later in the draft, but don’t count them out.
Verdict: ECAC has the most high-end talent. Expect them to dominate the early rounds.
WCHA: Stars and Secrets
Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien led the NCAA in scoring. She’s a lock for the draft.
But here’s where things get interesting. Abbey Murphy (Minnesota) and Lacey Eden (Wisconsin) haven’t declared yet. Both have played five seasons but still have eligibility left.
Will they go pro? Or take one more NCAA run? That’s the big question.
Meanwhile, Nina Jobst-Smith (Minnesota) is a solid mid-round pick. Olivia Mobley, Clara Van Wieren, and Sanni Ahola are all in the late-round mix.
Verdict: If Murphy and Eden enter the draft, WCHA could challenge ECAC for top picks. If not, ECAC stays on top.
Hockey East: Hidden Gems
Boston University’s Tamara Giaquinto and UConn’s Ava Rinker could get PWHL attention.
Providence’s Brooke Becher and Northeastern’s Skylar Irving are also solid picks. Hope Walniski (Providence) is a sleeper goalie who might surprise teams.
Verdict: Not as deep as ECAC or WCHA, but a few good steals could come from here.
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Atlantic Hockey & NEWHA: The Underdogs
Mercyhurst’s Vanessa Upson is the big name here. Allie Kelley (Syracuse) could also sneak into the draft.
As for NEWHA? No clear PWHL favorites yet. But if players like Anna Fairman (LIU) or Jeannie Wallner (LIU) dominate in Europe, they could get a second chance at the PWHL in the future.
Verdict: Not many top picks, but there’s always room for surprises.
Will ECAC run the show? Will Murphy and Eden finally declare? Who will be the steal of the draft?
One thing’s for sure—this PWHL Draft will be must-watch hockey.