Olivia Wallin is an Ottawa native who grew up watching her older sister play hockey. Naturally, she found herself wanting to get into the game as well so that she could play against her sister. Next season, she'll take that journey to a new level joining the PWHL in Seattle.
"It's the competitive aspect about it," said Wallin. "I really enjoy the training and work ethic part of just doing it so that you're the best that you can be, and I just love competing. I'm a really competitive person so playing games is always fun."
Her hockey journey began with the Nepean Wildcats in Ottawa, before eventually moving to the Greater Toronto Area where she played for the Oakville Hornets. Wallin also spent time with the Stoney Creek Sabres, one of the top development programs for women's hockey. She spent her final years in junior hockey with the Etobicoke Dolphins before committing to Penn State and ultimately ending her NCAA time with the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Wallin is a hard-hitting, gritty player and said that she models her game after men's hockey players like Jarome Iginla, Corey Perry and Brendan Gallagher rather than heavily skilled players like Sidney Crosby. She's looking forward to bringing that grit to the team in Seattle.
Seattle selected Wallin 47th overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft.
As far as being drafted by an expansion team goes, Wallin said, "I'm most looking forward to meeting the girls on the team, learning from the veteran players, and seeing what their knowledge can offer me. Obviously connecting with the fan base, I know they sold tons of tickets already, so I'm super excited to get to know them and to be in the community as well, kind of giving back."
Wallin described herself as someone with a fun, light vibe. She's looking forward to bringing that into the locker room and having the ability to lighten up tough situations, while also knowing when it's time to keep her head down and get to work.
Outside of the game itself, Wallin is excited to explore Seattle and get involved.
"I'm looking forward to giving back, that's what I'm really excited to do within youth hockey teams," she said. "I'd love to volunteer for a dog shelter. Just seeing opportunities like that when I get there."
She also enjoys playing pickeball, baking and walking her dog. She also said that her dad suggested taking up sailing with all of the water surrounding Seattle.
Wallin is excited to get to Seattle and see what the city has to offer after growing up on the East Coast, and can't wait to get to know the fans and the rest of the team as a member of PWHL Seattle.