Five Wisconsin women’s hockey players were selected in the first round of the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) entry draft in Detroit June 17, led by two historic selections. Caroline “KK” Harvey became the first defender chosen No.1 overall, while Laila Edwards became the highest-drafted black woman in PWHL history. .
The five first-round selections were the most of any NCAA women’s hockey program, showing Wisconsin’s continued dominance in developing professional talent.
Harvey’s selection by the Vancouver Goldeneyes capped one of the most decorated seasons in program history. She captained the Badgers to their ninth national championship, tallying 18 goals and 46 assists for 64 points. She led NCAA defenders in points and set a school record for most points by a defender in a single season.
Her success extends far beyond the collegiate level. Harvey helped Team USA secure gold in Milan and tied the tournament lead with nine points. Her performance earned her best defender and MVP of the tournament. Along with Harvey, four more U.S. Olympians were drafted in the first round.
Earlier this year, she also received International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year and the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the best player in NCAA women’s hockey.
Harvey will play alongside former Badger Sarah Nurse on the Goldeneyes. Nurse played from 2013-17 and had 137 points in 150 career games with the Badgers. Fourteen former Badgers play in the PWHL, including Hilary Knight — the all-time leading scorer at UW.
Defender Laila Edwards takes the puck up the ice during a 2-2 home shootout with the St. Cloud State Huskies on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
Just three picks later, Edwards’ selection marked a historic moment, making her the highest-drafted Black woman in PWHL history and the first draft pick of one of the four PWHL teams added in a recent expansion, PWHL San Jose.
Edwards became one of the nation’s most versatile players during her Wisconsin career, starring at both forward and defense. She ended the 2025-26 season with 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points and earned tournament All-Star honors as a defender during the 2026 Olympics, recording 2 goals and 5 assists to help Team USA to a gold medal.
The Seattle Torrent selected second and drafted forward Abbey Murphy from the University of Minnesota. Penn State forward Tessa Janecke was selected third by Las Vegas.
Forward Lacey Eden takes a draw against Bella Fanale during Wisconsin's 5-1 Halloween Night loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
Badger teammates Lacey Eden and Vivian Jungels were drafted fifth and eleventh by newly announced Las Vegas and Ottawa, respectively. Eden was the first women’s hockey player to win four national championships in five years.
Defender Vivian Jungels readies for a pass during Wisconsin's 5-0 home shutout of the Maine Black Bears on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Three-time national champion Jungels was selected 11th by Ottawa and will bring her offensive style of play to the Charge. The 75 points in 162 career games at Wisconsin Jungels recorded will be missed on the Badgers’ scoresheet.
The Toronto Sceptres selected Badger Kirsten Simms in the eight pick. Simms has consistently risen to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Her overtime game-winning goal against Penn State in the 2026 Women’s Frozen Four gave the Badgers a 4-3 victory, and marked her 100th career point.
Forward Kirsten Simms takes a penalty shot in a 2-2 home shootout with the St. Cloud State Huskies on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
In 2025, Simms confidently volunteered herself to take a penalty shot against Ohio State, scored, and ultimately secured the NCAA title for the Badgers in overtime.
All five players drafted from Wisconsin played pivotal roles in the program’s recent success and won the Badgers national championships. Their departures create opportunities for the current veterans and incoming Badgers to step into larger roles.
The program has consistently developed players capable of competing at the highest level. Although losing several key players is bittersweet, it reflects the success of Wisconsin women’s hockey.
Entering its fourth season, the PWHL has doubled in size from its original six teams to 12. The league first expanded to Seattle and Vancouver before adding four more teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose for the 2026-27 season. The team names for the most recent expansion franchises will debut in fall of 2026.
Staff Writer
