Vancouver Goldeneyes Choose Olympian Caroline Harvey First Overall

WHO:

Boston.com - Caroline Harvey, a US Olympian, was selected by the Vancouver Goldeneyes.

The New York Times - Caroline Harvey, 23, is a defender and was the No. 1 prospect in The Athletic’s March draft ranking.

The New York Times - Laila Edwards, Harvey's teammate and best friend, was selected fourth overall by the San Jose expansion franchise.

The New York Times - Troy Ryan is the general manager of the Vancouver Goldeneyes.

The New York Times - Dan Koch is the longtime associate head coach at Wisconsin.

The New York Times - Andrea Brändli, a Swiss star goalie, was selected by Detroit with their first-ever draft pick.

WHAT:

Boston.com - The Vancouver Goldeneyes selected Caroline Harvey with the first pick in the PWHL draft.

The New York Times - Harvey is the first defender to be selected No. 1 in PWHL history.

The New York Times - Harvey was named the IIHF’s Female Player of the Year just hours before the draft.

The New York Times - The first round of the draft included notable selections:

1. Vancouver Goldeneyes: Caroline Harvey (LHD)

2. Seattle Torrent: Abbey Murphy (RW)

3. Las Vegas (via Detroit): Tessa Janecke (C)

4. San Jose: Laila Edwards (RHD/RW)

5. Las Vegas: Lacey Eden (RW)

6. Hamilton: Nelli Laitinen (LHD)

7. New York Sirens: Emma Peschel (LHD)

8. Toronto Sceptres: Kirsten Simms (LW)

9. Minnesota Frost: Sara Swiderski (RHD)

10. Boston Fleet: Grace Dwyer (LHD)

11. Ottawa Charge: Vivian Jungels (LHD)

12. Montreal Victoire: Petra Nieminen (C)

WHERE:

The New York Times - The draft took place at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The 2026 PWHL Draft occurred on a Wednesday.

WHY:

The New York Times - Harvey expressed gratitude for being selected, stating, “It’s a surreal moment. We’ve dreamed of this since being little girls, of having a sustainable professional league.”

HOW:

The New York Times - Harvey was selected based on her exceptional skills, including her world-class skating ability and offensive threat in all situations.

In a historic moment for women's hockey, Caroline Harvey was selected first overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes in the PWHL draft, making her the first defender to achieve this milestone. Just hours before the draft, Harvey was named the IIHF’s Female Player of the Year, showcasing her exceptional skills and world-class skating ability. Her teammate and best friend, Laila Edwards, was also drafted, going fourth overall to the San Jose expansion franchise, highlighting the strength of their friendship and talent on the ice.