There are 35 current U Sports players entering the 2024 PWHL Draft, and many other alumni. Here's a look at the top prospects from U Sports entering the PWHL Draft.
There are 35 current U Sports players entering the 2024 PWHL Draft, and many other alumni. Here's a look at the top prospects from U Sports entering the PWHL Draft.
There's no overlooking U Sports athletes in this PWHL Draft or in the subsequent PWHL free agency. In the PWHL this season, Jade Downie Landry, Catherine Dubois, Melodie Daoust, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Sarah Bujold, Alexandra Labelle, Brigette Laganiere, Kaitlin Willoughby, Alex Poznikoff, Carley Olivier, and Lindsey Post all played in the league as U Sports alumni.
And while the focus will be current U Sports athletes at the draft, there will also be a number of former U Sports athletes who have been playing pro in Europe including Mathea Fischer, Shae Demale, Abby Moloughney, Mariah Hinds, and Tatum Amy, among others, will also be entering the draft.
In total, 35 current U Sports athletes have declared and are eligible for the 2024 PWHL Draft.
Here's a look at the top 15 U Sports prospects at the 2024 PWHL Draft.
1. Rylind MacKinnon, D, British Columbia, USports (2000, Canada)
Standing 5-foot-10, MacKinnon is a rangey blueliner who uses her reach and size to take away lanes and space. A good skater for her size, hasn't looked out of place at Hockey Canada camps.
2. Emmy Fecteau, C, Concordia, USports (1999, Canada)
Oozes leadership, valued on and off the ice, and willing to do the little things to help her team win. Whether it's blocking shots, or battling on the boards, Fecteau is intelligent and willing. Can provide offense as well. Could become a steal.
3. Emma Bergesen, D, Mount Royal, USports (1999, Norway)
A good skater who can jump into the play, Bergesen is one of the best defenders in Canada, and she's also been the staple for Team Norway. Back-to-back First Team All-Canadian, and also named the Top Defender at the 2022 World Championship D1A tournament.
4. Leah Herrfort, F, 2001, Waterloo, U Sports (2001, Canada)
A former First Team All-Canadian and NCAA standout, Herrfort is one of the top offensive players in the county. She's a big game scorer who single handedly took over games in U Sports the past two seasons. She's a sleeper pick who could make an impact.
5. Lillian George, F, New Brunswick, U Sports (2000, Canada) First team All-Canadian, George scored 18 goals and 36 points in 28 games this season.
6. Kelly-Ann Nadeau, D, Montreal, U Sports (1998, Canada)
Not a flashy scorer, but an extremely capable defender, excellent passer, and mobile enough to compete. Played for Canada at the Universaide, and was named a Second Team All-Canadian this season.
7. Katie Chomiak, F, Nipissing, U Sports (2002, Canada)
8. Rosalie Begin-Cyr, F, Concordia, U Sports (1998, Canada)
9. Marie-Camille Theoret, D, Bishop's, U Sports (1999, Canada)
10. Kara den Hoed, D, Nipissing, U Sports (2003, Canada)
11. Kendra Woodland, G, New Brunswick, U Sports (2000, Canada)
12. Camryn Drever, G, Saskatchewan, U Sports (2000, Canada)
13. Halle Oswald, G, Alberta, U Sports (2000, Canada)
14. Miranda Hatt, Saint Mary's, U Sports (2000, Canada)
15. Taylor Trussler, Toronto, U Sports (2000, Canada)
Others to watch: Sophie Lalor, Isabella Pozzi, Emma McKnight, Cassidy Maplethorpe, Katie Mikkelsen