On June 24, 2025, the Professional Women’s Hockey League held its third annual draft at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa, marking a landmark moment in the sport's evolution. With 48 players selected across six rounds, teams strategically strengthened their rosters across positions and national lines.
Top Pick Backstory: Kristýna Kaltounková
In a historic selection, the New York Sirens used the first overall pick to draft Kristýna Kaltounková, a 23-year-old Czech forward from Colgate—a move loaded with narrative and promise.
Record-Breaking Collegiate Career: Kaltounková concluded her tenure at Colgate as the program’s all-time leading goalscorer (111 goals) and second all-time in points (233), including 26 goals in her final season.
International Recognition & Leadership: A member of the Czech National Team, Kristýna was named to the IIHF World Championship All-Star team earlier this year, showcasing her elite talent on ice globally .
Immediate Impact in New York: With a mix of collegiate success and international pedigree, the Sirens are betting on her to boost a depleted offense—offering a dynamic, physical forward who averaged 0.7 goals per game at Colgate.
Position & Nationality Breakdown: Where Talent Is Coming From
The 2025 PWHL Draft reflected a clear shift in the league’s evolving priorities — favoring offensive depth and drawing heavily from NCAA programs in both the U.S. and Canada. Here's how the draft class of 48 players breaks down:
By Position:
Position | Number of Players | % |
|---|---|---|
Forwards | 30 | 62.5% |
Defenders | 13 | 27.1% |
Goalies | 5 | 10.4% |
Takeaway: Over 60% of picks were forwards — a signal that teams are focused on bolstering offensive depth and scoring power in a still-growing league.
By Country of Origin:
Country | Players Drafted |
|---|---|
USA | 23 |
Canada | 17 |
Czechia | 2 |
Finland | 2 |
Russia | 2 |
Sweden | 1 |
China | 1 |
Noteworthy Trends:
The United States continues to be the dominant talent pipeline, particularly from NCAA programs like Wisconsin, Colgate, and Clarkson.
Canada remains a strong contributor, particularly in defensive depth and goaltending.
The inclusion of international stars like Kristýna Kaltounková (Czechia) signals growing global scouting in the PWHL. The continued increase of non-North American players will also bode well for international hockey competition.
Team Strategy Breakdown: Who Drafted What
Each PWHL franchise brought a different strategy to the 2025 Draft, whether it was rebuilding offense, reinforcing defense, or locking in a future goaltender. Let’s take a look at how each team approached the board.
Picks by Team:
Team | Total Picks | Forwards | Defenders | Goalies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Sirens | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Boston | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Toronto | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Montréal | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Ottawa | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Minnesota | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Seattle | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Vancouver | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
PWHL Draft 2025: NCAA Programs by Player Count
NCAA Program | Number of Players Drafted |
|---|---|
Ohio State University | 6 |
University of Minnesota Duluth | 5 |
Quinnipiac University | 4 |
Clarkson University | 3 |
St. Cloud State University | 3 |
University of Minnesota | 3 |
Boston University | 2 |
Colgate University | 2 |
Cornell University | 2 |
Penn State University | 2 |
St. Lawrence University | 2 |
University of Connecticut | 2 |
University of Wisconsin | 2 |
Boston College | 1 |
Mercyhurst University | 1 |
Northeastern University | 1 |
Providence College | 1 |
Yale University | 1 |
Player Profiles
Rory Guilday (D) – 5th Overall, Ottawa
From: Cornell University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: A 6'0” stay-at-home defender with high IQ and leadership qualities. Guilday was known for logging heavy minutes in tough matchups and was a finalist for the ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman award.
Jenna Buglioni (F) – 8th Overall, Seattle
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Buglioni led the Buckeyes in points and consistently showed she could thrive against top competition. Her creativity in the offensive zone and smooth puck control make her a dangerous top-six forward option.
Amanda Thiele (G) – 21st Overall, Toronto
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: As one of only five goaltenders drafted, Thiele’s calm presence and 0.936 save percentage in her senior year caught Toronto’s eye. She’s known for her strong rebound control and ability to stay composed under pressure.
Kendall Cooper (D) – 6th Overall, Minnesota
From: Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Physical, mobile, and deceptively quick, Cooper helped anchor Quinnipiac’s blue line for four seasons. Minnesota picked her for her two-way game and ability to transition quickly from defense to offense.
What This Means for Families of Girls Playing Hockey Today
The 2025 PWHL Draft wasn’t just a moment for elite NCAA athletes — it was a message to every young girl lacing up her skates: There’s a real professional future in women’s hockey.
The Path Is Clearer — But Still Demands Strategy
The fact that nearly all drafted players came from NCAA Division I programs tells us something important:
Families who want to give their daughters the best shot at professional hockey should treat college hockey not just as a stepping stone — but a destination with visibility.
That means starting early with:
Development plans: Strong foundational skills still matter most — skating, hockey IQ, and decision-making are non-negotiables.
Smart exposure: Playing in the right leagues, getting seen at showcases, and using video and social media strategically.
Academic preparation: Coaches want complete student-athletes. GPA and attitude carry weight.
More International Opportunity — But Still Limited
Only a handful of international players were drafted this year, which signals two things:
The NCAA remains the dominant funnel.
Global players need standout international resumes or U.S. collegiate exposure to break in.
If your daughter is not in the NCAA system, it may be worth exploring prep school, exchange programs, or showcase camps that connect global talent to North American schools.
It’s Not Just Physical — The Mental Game Matters
Several drafted players were praised for their leadership, maturity, and poise under pressure. The takeaway?
Mental resilience is becoming a key scouting trait.
Start investing now in confidence building, mental training, and communication skills — things that can set your athlete apart when all the skill levels start to converge.
Final Thought:
If your daughter is serious about hockey, now is the time to get intentional. With the PWHL growing, and pro pathways becoming more defined, families that start early — and plan smart — will give their athlete the best shot to play at the next level.
On June 24, 2025, the Professional Women’s Hockey League held its third annual draft at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa, marking a landmark moment in the sport's evolution. With 48 players selected across six rounds, teams strategically strengthened their rosters across positions and national lines.
Top Pick Backstory: Kristýna Kaltounková
In a historic selection, the New York Sirens used the first overall pick to draft Kristýna Kaltounková, a 23-year-old Czech forward from Colgate—a move loaded with narrative and promise.
Record-Breaking Collegiate Career: Kaltounková concluded her tenure at Colgate as the program’s all-time leading goalscorer (111 goals) and second all-time in points (233), including 26 goals in her final season.
International Recognition & Leadership: A member of the Czech National Team, Kristýna was named to the IIHF World Championship All-Star team earlier this year, showcasing her elite talent on ice globally .
Immediate Impact in New York: With a mix of collegiate success and international pedigree, the Sirens are betting on her to boost a depleted offense—offering a dynamic, physical forward who averaged 0.7 goals per game at Colgate.
Position & Nationality Breakdown: Where Talent Is Coming From
The 2025 PWHL Draft reflected a clear shift in the league’s evolving priorities — favoring offensive depth and drawing heavily from NCAA programs in both the U.S. and Canada. Here's how the draft class of 48 players breaks down:
By Position:
Position | Number of Players | % |
|---|---|---|
Forwards | 30 | 62.5% |
Defenders | 13 | 27.1% |
Goalies | 5 | 10.4% |
Takeaway: Over 60% of picks were forwards — a signal that teams are focused on bolstering offensive depth and scoring power in a still-growing league.
By Country of Origin:
Country | Players Drafted |
|---|---|
USA | 23 |
Canada | 17 |
Czechia | 2 |
Finland | 2 |
Russia | 2 |
Sweden | 1 |
China | 1 |
Noteworthy Trends:
The United States continues to be the dominant talent pipeline, particularly from NCAA programs like Wisconsin, Colgate, and Clarkson.
Canada remains a strong contributor, particularly in defensive depth and goaltending.
The inclusion of international stars like Kristýna Kaltounková (Czechia) signals growing global scouting in the PWHL. The continued increase of non-North American players will also bode well for international hockey competition.
Team Strategy Breakdown: Who Drafted What
Each PWHL franchise brought a different strategy to the 2025 Draft, whether it was rebuilding offense, reinforcing defense, or locking in a future goaltender. Let’s take a look at how each team approached the board.
Picks by Team:
Team | Total Picks | Forwards | Defenders | Goalies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Sirens | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Boston | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Toronto | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Montréal | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Ottawa | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Minnesota | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Seattle | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Vancouver | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
PWHL Draft 2025: NCAA Programs by Player Count
NCAA Program | Number of Players Drafted |
|---|---|
Ohio State University | 6 |
University of Minnesota Duluth | 5 |
Quinnipiac University | 4 |
Clarkson University | 3 |
St. Cloud State University | 3 |
University of Minnesota | 3 |
Boston University | 2 |
Colgate University | 2 |
Cornell University | 2 |
Penn State University | 2 |
St. Lawrence University | 2 |
University of Connecticut | 2 |
University of Wisconsin | 2 |
Boston College | 1 |
Mercyhurst University | 1 |
Northeastern University | 1 |
Providence College | 1 |
Yale University | 1 |
Player Profiles
Rory Guilday (D) – 5th Overall, Ottawa
From: Cornell University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: A 6'0” stay-at-home defender with high IQ and leadership qualities. Guilday was known for logging heavy minutes in tough matchups and was a finalist for the ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman award.
Jenna Buglioni (F) – 8th Overall, Seattle
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Buglioni led the Buckeyes in points and consistently showed she could thrive against top competition. Her creativity in the offensive zone and smooth puck control make her a dangerous top-six forward option.
Amanda Thiele (G) – 21st Overall, Toronto
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: As one of only five goaltenders drafted, Thiele’s calm presence and 0.936 save percentage in her senior year caught Toronto’s eye. She’s known for her strong rebound control and ability to stay composed under pressure.
Kendall Cooper (D) – 6th Overall, Minnesota
From: Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Physical, mobile, and deceptively quick, Cooper helped anchor Quinnipiac’s blue line for four seasons. Minnesota picked her for her two-way game and ability to transition quickly from defense to offense.
What This Means for Families of Girls Playing Hockey Today
The 2025 PWHL Draft wasn’t just a moment for elite NCAA athletes — it was a message to every young girl lacing up her skates: There’s a real professional future in women’s hockey.
The Path Is Clearer — But Still Demands Strategy
The fact that nearly all drafted players came from NCAA Division I programs tells us something important:
Families who want to give their daughters the best shot at professional hockey should treat college hockey not just as a stepping stone — but a destination with visibility.
That means starting early with:
Development plans: Strong foundational skills still matter most — skating, hockey IQ, and decision-making are non-negotiables.
Smart exposure: Playing in the right leagues, getting seen at showcases, and using video and social media strategically.
Academic preparation: Coaches want complete student-athletes. GPA and attitude carry weight.
More International Opportunity — But Still Limited
Only a handful of international players were drafted this year, which signals two things:
The NCAA remains the dominant funnel.
Global players need standout international resumes or U.S. collegiate exposure to break in.
If your daughter is not in the NCAA system, it may be worth exploring prep school, exchange programs, or showcase camps that connect global talent to North American schools.
It’s Not Just Physical — The Mental Game Matters
Several drafted players were praised for their leadership, maturity, and poise under pressure. The takeaway?
Mental resilience is becoming a key scouting trait.
Start investing now in confidence building, mental training, and communication skills — things that can set your athlete apart when all the skill levels start to converge.
Final Thought:
If your daughter is serious about hockey, now is the time to get intentional. With the PWHL growing, and pro pathways becoming more defined, families that start early — and plan smart — will give their athlete the best shot to play at the next level.
On June 24, 2025, the Professional Women’s Hockey League held its third annual draft at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa, marking a landmark moment in the sport's evolution. With 48 players selected across six rounds, teams strategically strengthened their rosters across positions and national lines.
Top Pick Backstory: Kristýna Kaltounková
In a historic selection, the New York Sirens used the first overall pick to draft Kristýna Kaltounková, a 23-year-old Czech forward from Colgate—a move loaded with narrative and promise.
Record-Breaking Collegiate Career: Kaltounková concluded her tenure at Colgate as the program’s all-time leading goalscorer (111 goals) and second all-time in points (233), including 26 goals in her final season.
International Recognition & Leadership: A member of the Czech National Team, Kristýna was named to the IIHF World Championship All-Star team earlier this year, showcasing her elite talent on ice globally .
Immediate Impact in New York: With a mix of collegiate success and international pedigree, the Sirens are betting on her to boost a depleted offense—offering a dynamic, physical forward who averaged 0.7 goals per game at Colgate.
Position & Nationality Breakdown: Where Talent Is Coming From
The 2025 PWHL Draft reflected a clear shift in the league’s evolving priorities — favoring offensive depth and drawing heavily from NCAA programs in both the U.S. and Canada. Here's how the draft class of 48 players breaks down:
By Position:
Position | Number of Players | % |
|---|---|---|
Forwards | 30 | 62.5% |
Defenders | 13 | 27.1% |
Goalies | 5 | 10.4% |
Takeaway: Over 60% of picks were forwards — a signal that teams are focused on bolstering offensive depth and scoring power in a still-growing league.
By Country of Origin:
Country | Players Drafted |
|---|---|
USA | 23 |
Canada | 17 |
Czechia | 2 |
Finland | 2 |
Russia | 2 |
Sweden | 1 |
China | 1 |
Noteworthy Trends:
The United States continues to be the dominant talent pipeline, particularly from NCAA programs like Wisconsin, Colgate, and Clarkson.
Canada remains a strong contributor, particularly in defensive depth and goaltending.
The inclusion of international stars like Kristýna Kaltounková (Czechia) signals growing global scouting in the PWHL. The continued increase of non-North American players will also bode well for international hockey competition.
Team Strategy Breakdown: Who Drafted What
Each PWHL franchise brought a different strategy to the 2025 Draft, whether it was rebuilding offense, reinforcing defense, or locking in a future goaltender. Let’s take a look at how each team approached the board.
Picks by Team:
Team | Total Picks | Forwards | Defenders | Goalies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Sirens | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Boston | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Toronto | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Montréal | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Ottawa | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Minnesota | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Seattle | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Vancouver | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
PWHL Draft 2025: NCAA Programs by Player Count
NCAA Program | Number of Players Drafted |
|---|---|
Ohio State University | 6 |
University of Minnesota Duluth | 5 |
Quinnipiac University | 4 |
Clarkson University | 3 |
St. Cloud State University | 3 |
University of Minnesota | 3 |
Boston University | 2 |
Colgate University | 2 |
Cornell University | 2 |
Penn State University | 2 |
St. Lawrence University | 2 |
University of Connecticut | 2 |
University of Wisconsin | 2 |
Boston College | 1 |
Mercyhurst University | 1 |
Northeastern University | 1 |
Providence College | 1 |
Yale University | 1 |
Player Profiles
Rory Guilday (D) – 5th Overall, Ottawa
From: Cornell University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: A 6'0” stay-at-home defender with high IQ and leadership qualities. Guilday was known for logging heavy minutes in tough matchups and was a finalist for the ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman award.
Jenna Buglioni (F) – 8th Overall, Seattle
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Buglioni led the Buckeyes in points and consistently showed she could thrive against top competition. Her creativity in the offensive zone and smooth puck control make her a dangerous top-six forward option.
Amanda Thiele (G) – 21st Overall, Toronto
From: Ohio State University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: As one of only five goaltenders drafted, Thiele’s calm presence and 0.936 save percentage in her senior year caught Toronto’s eye. She’s known for her strong rebound control and ability to stay composed under pressure.
Kendall Cooper (D) – 6th Overall, Minnesota
From: Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
Why She Stands Out: Physical, mobile, and deceptively quick, Cooper helped anchor Quinnipiac’s blue line for four seasons. Minnesota picked her for her two-way game and ability to transition quickly from defense to offense.
What This Means for Families of Girls Playing Hockey Today
The 2025 PWHL Draft wasn’t just a moment for elite NCAA athletes — it was a message to every young girl lacing up her skates: There’s a real professional future in women’s hockey.
The Path Is Clearer — But Still Demands Strategy
The fact that nearly all drafted players came from NCAA Division I programs tells us something important:
Families who want to give their daughters the best shot at professional hockey should treat college hockey not just as a stepping stone — but a destination with visibility.
That means starting early with:
Development plans: Strong foundational skills still matter most — skating, hockey IQ, and decision-making are non-negotiables.
Smart exposure: Playing in the right leagues, getting seen at showcases, and using video and social media strategically.
Academic preparation: Coaches want complete student-athletes. GPA and attitude carry weight.
More International Opportunity — But Still Limited
Only a handful of international players were drafted this year, which signals two things:
The NCAA remains the dominant funnel.
Global players need standout international resumes or U.S. collegiate exposure to break in.
If your daughter is not in the NCAA system, it may be worth exploring prep school, exchange programs, or showcase camps that connect global talent to North American schools.
It’s Not Just Physical — The Mental Game Matters
Several drafted players were praised for their leadership, maturity, and poise under pressure. The takeaway?
Mental resilience is becoming a key scouting trait.
Start investing now in confidence building, mental training, and communication skills — things that can set your athlete apart when all the skill levels start to converge.
Final Thought:
If your daughter is serious about hockey, now is the time to get intentional. With the PWHL growing, and pro pathways becoming more defined, families that start early — and plan smart — will give their athlete the best shot to play at the next level.