DETROIT — Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey was selected by the Vancouver Goldeneyes with the first pick in the PWHL draft Wednesday in the latest major milestone achievement for the U.S. gold medal-winner and three-time college champion.
The selection came on the same day Harvey was named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year, and further cements the 23-year-old’s case as being her generation’s most accomplished player.
The two-time Olympian and tournament MVP at the Milan Cortina Games, Harvey stood out in a deeply talented draft class that featured four U.S. teammates. In Milan, Harvey finished tied for the tournament lead with nine points (two goals, seven assists).
Three more U.S. Olympians went with the next three picks, with Seattle selecting Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy, and Las Vegas picking Penn State forward Tessa Janecke. Las Vegas landed the pick from fellow expansion team Detroit in a trade that sent Hilary Knight to the Motor City. Expansion team San Jose selected Harvey's Badgers teammate Laila Edwards with the fourth pick.
With its first-ever selection, expansion Hamilton selected defender Nelli Laitinen sixth overall. Laitinen finished her four-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota with 94 points (22 goals, 74 assists) in 145 games.
The Toronto Sceptres took forward Kirsten Simms from the University of Wisconsin with the eighth pick. Simms, from Plymouth, Mich., helped the University of Wisconsin win three NCAA titles over her four-year collegiate career.
Defender Sara Swiderski of Langley, B.C., was the first Canadian chosen when the Minnesota Frost made her the ninth pick. The Ohio State blueliner compiled eight goals and 19 assists in 33 games with the Buckeyes last season.
"It's been such a talented draft class that we have here between internationals, Canadians, Americans, so yeah, just feeling really honoured to be the first Canadian selected," Swiderski said.
The Ottawa Charge took American defender Vivian Jungels 11th. Walter Cup champion Montréal Victoire selected Finnish forward Petra Nieminen 12th to close out the first round.
Harvey is a powerful skater with deft playmaking ability in closing her college career with consecutive 60-point seasons. She adds immediate offence to a Goldeneyes team that finished sixth and was the second team eliminated from contention in its inaugural season.
“It does," Harvey said when asked if it seems like a blur. "It’s been a special year. With all the experiences with the U.S. team and Wisconsin. I’m just so grateful for all my coaches, teammates and family. It really takes a village. I’m feeling really blessed right now."
Harvey joins a Vancouver blue line that already features Sophie Jaques, a defender of the year finalist, and forward Sarah Nurse. The Goldeneyes are in transition with GM Cara Gardner Morey having yet to hire a coach after Brian Idalski was fired.
From Pelham, N.H., Harvey is the second American player to go No. 1 after Minnesota chose Taylor Heise with the first pick in the league’s inaugural draft in 2023.
The draft was held in one of the PWHL's four new markets in Detroit and at the downtown Fox Theatre. All 12 teams made their selections from tables on the stage.
Harvey was in the second row of seats with her mother on one side and close friend and national team teammate Edwards on the other.
A loud cheer echoed from the packed theatre each time anything regarding Detroit or Knight were mentioned.