Long known as a program with a historically high number of Olympians, the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey program reached a new mark in the history book Monday with an NCAA-most 11 players taken in the first-ever PWHL Draft.

 

The Bulldogs, who had two alums in the top-8, including the number two pick in all the draft, also had three in the top-20, but it was the total number – 11 – that set the collegiate bar.

 

"The PWHL Draft was a big step towards the future of professional women's hockey," said UMD head coach Maura Crowell. "We're all excited to see where things go from here on out. For the NCAA-best 11 Bulldogs drafted yesterday, it's a huge statement about UMD Hockey. We recruit specific players who thrive in our program by pushing themselves to be their very best. We fill our locker room with like-minded players who want to do the same. Plus, and most importantly, we love the game here at UMD, and so do our players. They want to play after college because they had a great playing experience here."

 

UMD's oldest available former player went the highest when two-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion defenseman Jocelyne Larocque went No. 2 overall to Toronto. The Bulldogs' most recent All-American defenseman and Larocque's 2022 Canadian Olympic teammate, Ashton Bell, went No. 8 overall to Ottawa. Bell will be joined in Ottawa by her UMD classmate and All-American Gabbie Hughes. The forward from Lino Lakes, Minn. and 2023 Hockey Humanitarian winner went No. 20 overall in the fourth round.

 

Defenseman and Lakeville, Minn. native Maggie Flaherty, a 2022-23 All-WCHA First Team member, was selected No. 24 in the fourth round, one of four Bulldogs who landed in Minnesota. Elizabeth Giguere, who played one brilliant season with UMD, earning All-American honors for the fourth time over her breathtaking career, was selected No. 28 in the fifth round by New York.

 

World bronze medalist forward Katerina Mrazova was taken 44th in the eighth round by Ottawa, the third Bulldog to land there. She was followed by All-American and Olympic gold medalist defenseman Sidney Morin, who was taken off the board at No. 49 in the ninth round by Minnesota. Another two-time All-American, and arguably the hottest goaltender in the NCAA last season, Emma Soderberg was drafted by Boston at 58th in the 10th round. In all, four players who finished up their eligibility in March were drafted on Monday.

 

Forward Michela Cava was selected No. 72 in round 12 by Minnesota, and three rounds later, three-time captain Sydney Brodt was drafted to join her, taken in the 15th round with the 85th pick. Defenseman Jess Healey rounded out the Bulldog 11, taken 87th in the 15th round and will join Soderberg in Boston.

 

In all, four Bulldogs landed in Minnesota – Flaherty, Morin, Cava and Brodt, while three were selected by Ottawa – Bell, Hughes and Mrazova. Boston had two UMD alums – Soderberg and Healey, while New York and Toronto each had one – Giguere with New York and Lacroque in Toronto. 

UMD's 11 selections led the entire NCAA, while Ohio State University had 10 players selected. Clarkson rounded out the top-3 with eight players drafted.
 

For the entire 2023 PWHL draft results, click here.