Minnesota made a bold move in selecting American forward Taylor Heise with the first pick of the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft on Monday. This decision signifies the league’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent, as Heise has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s hockey.
The PWHL, which formed over the summer and is set to begin play in January with six teams, believes that Heise has the potential to make a significant impact on the league. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, a member of the league’s board of directors, proudly announced the selection. This recognition from such a respected figure in sports further solidifies Heise’s reputation as a rising star.
The draft featured a number of exceptional players, reflecting the deep pool of talent in women’s hockey. Toronto, with the second overall pick, selected veteran Canadian defender Jocelyne Larocque, while Boston followed suit, taking Swiss center Alina Muller as the third pick. Interestingly, Muller was the only player not from the U.S. or Canada to be selected in the first two rounds, emphasizing the international appeal of the PWHL.
While Minnesota secured the top forward in the draft, other teams focused on enhancing their defense. New York selected Canadian defender Ella Shelton as the fourth pick, and Ottawa chose American defender Savannah Harmon as the fifth pick. Montreal continued this trend by taking Canadian national team member Erin Ambrose with the sixth pick. These selections highlight the importance that teams place on building strong defensive units to ensure success on the ice.
Minnesota further reinforced its team by using its second-round pick to draft American goaltender Nicole Hensley. This addition complements the team’s already impressive roster, which includes Heise and notable free agent signings Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek, and Lee Stecklein. With this winning combination of talent, Minnesota is poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming PWHL season.
Heise’s draft selection is not surprising given her exceptional performance in college hockey. Hailing from Lake City, Minnesota, she recently completed her fifth and final year at the University of Minnesota, where she was a first-team all-American. Heise led the NCAA in goals with an impressive tally of 30 and finished second in points with 67, making her one of the top players in women’s college hockey.
Heise’s decorated career includes winning the highly prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award in 2022 as the top player in NCAA Division I women’s hockey. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 pounds, Heise possesses the physical attributes that enhance her strong on-ice performances. In addition to her college success, she has also excelled as a member of the U.S. national team. Heise was named the best forward and tournament MVP at the 2022 world championships, leading all players in goals with an impressive seven and points with 18.
The selection of Taylor Heise as the first overall pick in the PWHL draft is a testament to her immense talent and potential. Heise’s skills, combined with the collective strength of the other players drafted, promise an exciting and competitive inaugural season for the PWHL. Fans and spectators alike eagerly await the start of the season, where these exceptional athletes will showcase their skills on the ice.
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