Union College hasn't sent many players on to higher levels of women's hockey, but captain Stephanie Bourque is looking to change that at the 2026 PWHL Draft.
Union College isn't known for advancing players to higher levels of women's hockey. Captain Stephanie Bourque wants to change that and become the first Union College alumni to step on the ice in the PWHL.
Bourque could also become the first defender from New Brunswick to play in the PWHL, and only the second player ever from the province to appear in a game. The first, forward Sarah Bujold spent the PWHL's inaugural season in Montreal.
"I think the PWHL as a league is great because it is the pinnacle league of our sport...the players are the best at in the world and the league itself is run by people who have fought hard to get the game to where it is now, and are continuing to grow the game both internationally and in North America," said Bourque of the opportunity to play in the league. "The hockey is extremely competitive, physical, fast and played with a high level of hockey IQ."
"Having the opportunity to possibly play in the PWHL one day would be amazing because not only would it allow me to achieve my dream and push me to my limits," she continued. "But it would allow me continue to grow the game and inspire the next generation of young girls wanting to play professional hockey."
Bourque, who captained Stanstead College prior to joining the NCAA where she was named the JWHL Defensive Player of the Year. This season the two-way defender scored 23 points in 34 games.
Averaging more than 28 minutes per game, Bourque was the second most utilized player in NCAA women's hockey this season. She uses her skating well to transport pucks and jumpstart Union's attack.
"My goal for next season and for the rest of my hockey career is to play professional hockey for as long as I can," she said.
When the 2026 PWHL Draft arrives, the first step will be hearing her name called by a PWHL team. Given her collegiate success, and experience playing top pairing minutes against some of the best in the nation in the ECAC, Bourque will be a player PWHL teams will consider when it comes to building their rosters for 2026-27.