Thirty women’s college hockey players found new homes Tuesday night during the 2021 NWHL Draft.
The six NWHL teams made their selections over a total of five rounds. And for the first time in league history, fans could watch the process live on Twitch.
The Connecticut Whale, selecting first overall for the first time ever, took forward Taylor Girard from Quinnipiac University.
The Buffalo Beauts selected defender Emilie Harley second overall, making her the first of a draft-high three players taken from Robert Morris University. A few weeks ago, the school announced it was cancelling its hockey programs.
Toronto had eight total selections, including three consecutive picks in the first round, the most of any team. Buffalo followed with seven while Minnesota had five, Connecticut and Metropolitan had four apiece and Boston had two. Of the 30 players selected, 16 are forwards, 13 are defenders and one is a goaltender. They hail from a total of 24 different college programs.
Special guests announced each selection Tuesday night, including Miami Marlins GM Kim Ng, Gotham FC GM Alyse LaHue and NHL defenseman P.K. Subban.
The NWHL’s international draft is set to take place July 25.