Several PWHL draft picks have been biding their time in Europe, playing in Sweden and Switzerland to prepare for the inaugural PWHL training camps and season.
When the PWHL announced a 2024 start to their season, several players headed to Europe to get into game shape prior to the November start to training camps.
Dominika Laskova, Lulea, SDHL - Playing for Lulea, Laskova is already practicing among some of the best players in the world on a daily basis, many of whom would be impact players in the PWHL. Having bounced between forward and defence last season, Laskova is gaining valuable time in the SDHL, much like she did at the World Championships with Czechia focusing on a defenders role, all while remaining a valuable offensive contributor who can activate from the back end.
Katerina Mrazova, Färjestad BK, NDHL - Playing in Sweden's second division, Mrazova is lighting up the league scoring 21 points in four games with Färjestad. It's a low risk space for Mrazova to sharpen her skills.
Aneta Tejralova, MoDo, SDHL - Ottawa doesn't look at Tejralova as a seventh round pick, they view her as a top pairing calibre defender who will prove herself among the best in the world. Carla MacLeod's captain with Czechia could also take on a leadership role in Ottawa when she arrives, but for now she's playing key minutes in MoDo against top lines, and driving pucks up ice.
Lina Ljungblom, MoDo, SDHL - The debate continues. Sweden and the SDHL continue to say Ljungblom is staying, while Montreal just announced Ljungblom as a member of their training camp roster. Will she stay or will she go? Who knows, but one thing is certain, when Ljungblom is hot, she's hot. She's scoring in spurts in the SDHL, and gaining the consistency to make an offensive contribution each night will be key for her the rest of the way out this eyar.
Alina Muller, ZSC Lions, SWHL - It's an amazing opportunity for Muller to get a final opportunity to play in Switzerland's domestic league before heading to North American again, specifically in a year where Switzerland is looking to take a step forward as a nation. Muller flashed her skill early in the SWHL, and will be an unstoppable force in the league until her flight takes off for Boston.
There are other PWHL camp invites playing in Europe including Blanka Skodova who is playing for AIK in the SDHL, and Fanni Gasparics who is playing for Brynas in the SDHL.