As more European players eye pro hockey in North America, the push to come to North America sooner vi NCAA and U SPORTS hockey is on, and events like the 93 Women's College Showcase are working to bridge that gap.
With the PWHL expanding, more players from Europe are now seeing the opportunity and dreaming of someday turning pro in North America. In women's hockey, while a handful of players are coming from the SDHL, the overwhelming majority of players advancing to the PWHL, including Europeans, are advancing through the NCAA.
It's a list that's grown to include players like Kristyna Kaltounkova, Alina Muller, Susanna Tapani, Tereza Vanisova, Natalie Mlynkova and many others. That number grew this year at the draft to include Thea Johansson, Nelli Laitinen, and Josefin Bouveng, among others.
They outnumber the direct-from-Europe cohort, which has also proven less successful in finding on-ice success in the league.
It's why events like the 93 Women's College Showcase, held in July in Prague, Czechia, connecting European prospects to NCAA programs, are becoming more important, and are building pathways for European players to reach NCAA and U SPORTS programs.
"Our mission has always been to create opportunities for players to compete at the highest levels and achieve their lifelong dreams," says Nick DiLisi, a PWHLPA certified agent and founder of 93 Hockey Services. "Bringing together talented players from across Europe with NCAA and USports programs in attendance is something we're incredibly proud of as we continue to promote women's hockey and help players find their path to collegiate hockey. The continued success of this showcase reflects the growing opportunities available to female athletes, and we're excited to continue expanding those pathways for years to come."
This year was the second season for the camp, which brought together players from 15 nations. From last year's camp, players like Adela Fromová (St.Cloud State) and Kateřina Pěnčíková (RIT) earned commitments from the event.
St.Cloud State and RIT were back in Prague, as were staff from Clarkson, RPI, Brown, Holy Cross, Maine, Sacred Heart, Mount Allison, Morrisville State, SUNY_Potsdam, and Plymouth State.
Photo @ Jakub Knap“We’re happy to get top European players the exposure to college and university programs that they deserve," said Laura Rollins, a family advisor with 93. "The game has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade, and it’s exciting to see so many European players making such an impact in the NCAA, USports and the PWHL.”
"Good speed, great skill, and plenty of talented players from different countries. That's what the 93 Women's College Showcase is all about. We were thrilled to welcome 12 coaches from NCAA and USports programs to this year's event," added Jessica Ekrt, Director of Women's Hockey.
Among the top players at this year's camp were Czech U-18 national team members Dana Březinová (F), Ellen Jarabková (D), and Lili Chmelařová (G). Several other U-18 national team members were also competing and made their mark including Maëli Moussier (France), Tyra Knedal Sawyer (Norway), Caylee Nagle (Germany), and Teresa Christensen (Denmark). 15-year-old Laura Nistelberger (Austria) will likely join the group soon.
