The Wisconsin Badgers had a field day in the 2026 PWHL Draft, as five of their players were taken in the first round, with star Caroline “KK” Harvey going No. 1 overall.
Harvey, a standout defenseman, was taken by the Vancouver Goldeneyes with the first overall pick. She had a phenomenal season, resulting in her winning the Patty Kazmeier award as the best player in women’s hockey, while also becoming an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.
In addition to Harvey, Laila Edwards was taken at No. 4 overall,
Lacey Eden was taken at No. 5, Kirsten Simms was taken at No. 8, and Vivian Jungels was selected at No. 11.
With five selections of the 59 in the draft, Wisconsin tied for the second-most of any school alongside Cornell, Ohio State, and Minnesota. Only Penn State (7 selections) had more.
In between Harvey and Edwards, who was selected by San Jose, Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy was taken No. 2 overall by Seattle and Penn State forward Tessa Janecke was taken No. 3 overall by Las Vegas.
Rounding out the first round were Minnesota’s Nelli Laitinen (No. 6 overall), Ohio State’s Emma Peschel (No. 7 overall), Ohio State’s Sara Swiderski (No. 9 overall), Cornell’s Grace Dwyer (No. 10 overall), and Lulea’s Petra Nieminen (No. 12 overall).
