PWHL News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Sarah Fillier, New York Sirens (Photo by Nala Burton/The PWHL)

2025 PWHL Draft To Be Held June 24 in Ottawa

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Dale Bochon | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 4:10 PM ET

On April 15, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced that the 2025 PWHL Draft Presented by Upper Deck will take place on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. ET at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa, Ontario. The event will bring together the league’s leading prospects, well-known figures from the women’s hockey community, and the PWHL’s dedicated fanbase to celebrate the next wave of league stars.

This will be the first-ever event held at the brand new Hard Rock Live theatre venue, which is currently part of the $350 million construction and expansion project –– the new amenities are expected to open to the public very soon. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the exclusive brick-and-mortar casino partner of the Ottawa Charge.

Prospective players have until Thursday, May 8, to declare their eligibility for selection in the 2025 Draft. Additional details regarding the Draft, including format and ticketing information, will be shared in the coming weeks.

Upper Deck Proud To Be Named Presenting Partner of the PWHL Draft

As the presenting partner of the 2025 Draft, Upper Deck is expanding its relationship with the PWHL, which includes being the league’s exclusive trading card manufacturer since March 2024. This collaboration illustrates the company’s commitment to the PWHL’s growth and celebrates the league, its teams and athletes through collectibles and live events.

Fans who are interested in attending the 2025 PWHL Draft Presented by Upper Deck can join the priority list here. Fans who have filled out the form will receive first access to information and offers to attend official PWHL events including the 2025 PWHL Draft. Collectors can also visit www.upperdeck.com/pwhlfirstedition to find a hobby shop or online retailer to purchase PWHL trading cards.

Media who wish to attend can apply for media accreditation here.

University of Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien Anticipated To Be No. 1 Pick

Casey O’Brien, who is having an outstanding senior season for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, is among the prospects who have already met the May 8 deadline to declare draft eligibility. The 23-year-old was this season’s Patty Kazmaier Award winner and led the Badgers to their third national title. Other top U.S. prospects declaring themselves as eligible include Clarkson’s Haley Winn, currently competing in her third world tournament, and Cornell’s Rory Guilday.

Top Canadian draft-eligible prospects include Boston College’s Abby Newhook and the Clarkson University tandem of Anne Cherkowski and Nicole Gosling, whose sister Julia was selected by Toronto in the first round of last year’s draft. Colgate’s Hannah Murphy, who is from Kingston, Ontario, is regarded as the top goalie prospect after setting a school record with 15 career shutouts.

Among the top European draft-eligible prospects are two members of the Czechia national team: Natalie Mlynkova, who completed her senior season at Minnesota, and Colgate’s Kristyna Kaltounkova.

Last season, Canadian Sarah Fillier was chosen first overall by the New York Sirens and has enjoyed a strong rookie season, currently sitting in second place in PWHL scoring.

The draft order for the 2025 PWHL Draft is still to be determined, as the only team that has currently clinched a playoff spot before the IIHF Women’s World Championship is the Montreal Victoire. Each team has three games remaining once league play resumes after the World Championship wraps up on April 20.