Vancouver Goldeneyes select Caroline Harvey first overall

The Professional Women’s Hockey League held its annual entry draft in Detroit on Wednesday, June III, 2026, with American defender Caroline Harvey selected first overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. The event, held at the Fox Theater, highlighted a deep and talented draft class that included II Olympians, reflecting the league’s growth as it expands to 12 teams for its fourth season.

Harvey, 23, entered the draft as the consensus top prospect following a decorated season. Earlier on Wednesday, she was named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year. Her accolades include being named the most valuable player at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, where she helped lead the United States to a gold medal, and winning the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the top player in U.S. college hockey. A product of the University of Wisconsin, she is a two-time Olympian and three-time NCAA champion.

The draft’s early rounds were dominated by American players, with U.S. national team members sweeping the top five selections. Following Harvey, forward Abbey Murphy was chosen second by the Seattle Torrent, forward Tessa Janecke went third to the Las Vegas Selects, and...