The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced 167 eligible players have declared for the second annual PWHL Draft.
The 2024 list includes a trio with local ties.
The list includes forward Katie Chomiak, Nipissing University and local product Lillian George who finished a successful USports career at the University of New Brunswick.
Chomiak, a Sudbury product, just finished her third season with the Lakers where she netted 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points in 28 games with the Lakers varsity women's hockey team this past season. During her three seasons of USports action with the Lakers she contributed 61 points (32 G 29 A) in 67 games.
George grew up in Nipissing First Nation and has been a star player with the University of New Brunswick Reds during her five-year tenure, ending her career as the franchise leader in goals (47) assists (54), points (101), and games played (130). She had a year to remember in her final season by setting franchise single-season records with 18 goals and 36 points while posting a +27 rating. Those numbers also led the league, and George was named AUS MVP.
Lakers defender Kara den Hoed also made the list. The Fergus, Ontario product had 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points in 28 games with the Lakers this season.
In three seasons den Hoed recorded 8 goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 62 games.
“Both Katie and Kara had great seasons last year and were both recognized by other coaches in the OUA in the year end voting," said Darren Turcotte, Lakers varsity women's hockey team.
“There are obviously a lot of players that declared for the draft from around the world, and very few spots available, but it will give both of them an indication of where they stand moving forward.
“There have been a couple of PWHL personnel that have reached out in the past week and I am expecting to hear from more prior to the draft in June."
PWHL teams will select 42 players from the eligibility list throughout the seven-round process scheduled for Monday, June 10 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in Saint Paul, MN, beginning at 7 p.m.
“The global interest in the PWHL continues to grow and the depth of talent across the women’s hockey player pool will raise the level of play in the league’s second season,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations in a release Monday.
“Fans are going to see stars from collegiate and international programs selected by their favourite PWHL teams, which makes the draft one of the most exciting events of the year."
All 167 eligible players officially declared for the draft prior to the May 8 deadline. The group consists of 93 forwards, 48 defenders, and 26 goaltenders. There are 19 different countries represented in the player pool including 86 Canadians, 46 Americans, and 35 international players.
