The PWHL will host its third annual entry draft on June 24 in Ottawa, featuring a promising lineup of players from the ongoing world championship in the Czech Republic. Among those declared are Czech forwards Kristýna Kaltounková (Colgate University) and Natálie Mlýnková (University of Minnesota), and American defender Haley Winn (Clarkson University).
Kaltounková, 23, leads the Czech team in goals during the tournament and is participating in her sixth world championship. Other top prospects include Nicole Gosling (Clarkson), who helped Canada win a world title, Rory Guilday (Cornell), who contributed to Team USA’s 2023 victory, and Wisconsin forward Casey O’Brien, this year’s Patty Kazmaier Award winner.
The league has not yet announced any expansion plans for next season. Should expansion proceed, an additional expansion draft may take place, impacting the draft format and player declarations.
Team USA’s Abbey Murphy is not yet on the prospect list, but the deadline to declare is May 8. PWHL executive Jayna Hefford emphasized the draft’s importance, calling it a showcase for the game’s future and celebrating Ottawa’s passionate fan base as an ideal host city.
The draft, sponsored by Upper Deck, will be held at Ottawa’s new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Additional top prospects include Anne Cherkowski (Clarkson), goaltender Hannah Murphy (Colgate), and Abby Newhook (Boston College), who may become only the second player from Newfoundland and Labrador in the league.
The PWHL season resumes April 26 with each of the six teams playing three more regular-season games. The top four will advance to the Walter Cup playoffs. Montreal Victoire is currently the only team with a secured playoff spot.
Source: Swifteradio.com
