U.S. national team defender Caroline Harvey, from Pelham, New Hampshire, was selected first overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes in the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft. Harvey, a two-time Olympian, won three NCAA titles and the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as college hockey’s MVP.
Deep and Talented Draft Class
The draft class was regarded as the league’s deepest and most talented, with 14 2026 Olympians, including five Americans, being selected. The first round saw Americans sweep the top five picks, with Harvey being followed by Abbey Murphy, Tessa Janecke, Laila Edwards, and Kirsten Simms.
The draft was held in Detroit, one of the PWHL’s new markets, and featured a mix of emotions, with tears and cheers from the players and their families. The event was seen as a boost to the league, which is growing to 12 teams in its fourth season.
Harvey, who was named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year, expressed her gratitude and surprise at being selected first overall. “It’s a surreal feeling, and I had no idea. I mean it could have been anyone. But I’m grateful to have my name called,” she said.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
