OTTAWA, CANADA — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on Tuesday that the 2025 PWHL Draft will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. With a strong group of top prospects declaring, this second-ever draft is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the league’s next generation of talent within the league.
Czech national team forwards Kristýna Kaltounková of Colgate University and Natálie Mlýnková of the University of Minnesota, top defenders Haley Winn and Nicole Gosling of Clarkson University, Rory Guilday of Cornell University, along with the 2025 Patty Kazmaier Award winner, forward Casey O’Brien of the University of Wisconsin, are just a few of the standout names to declare for the draft. Fans eagerly await further additions to this already deep talent pool of prospects.
Ottawa Charge defender Zoe Boyd views the draft announcement as a significant milestone for both the league and the city.
“I think we—and I’m a little biased—but we absolutely have the best market in the league,” Boyd said. “To host the draft here is really special, and I’m incredibly proud that it’s happening in our city.”
Boyd also sees the draft as a reflection of women’s hockey’s continued growth.
“The talent coming up is amazing, and we’re already seeing that with some of the names that have declared,” she said. “I’m excited to watch the league expand, become stronger, and grow in visibility. I’m proud of what’s ahead for women’s hockey.”
With the draft set to take place in one of the league’s most passionate markets, Ottawa is ready to take centre stage in what is sure to be a defining moment for the PWHL.
