Maura Crowell discusses dominant UMD presence in PWHL draft

Monday was a historic day for women’s hockey, as it was the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft.

Of the 90 names called 11 have ties to the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), including defenders Jocelyn Larocque picked second overall by Toronto and Ashton Bell selected eighth by Ottawa. The others are: Gabbie Hughes (20th, F, Ottawa), Maggie Flaherty (24th, D, Minnesota), Élizabeth Giguère (28th, F, New York), Katerina Mrázová (44th, F, Ottawa), Sidney Morin (49th, D, Minnesota), Emma Söderberg (58th, G, Boston), Michela Cava (72nd, F, Minnesota), Sydney Brodt (85th, F, Minnesota), and Jessica Healey (87th, D, Boston).

UMD had the most alumni selected in the draft out of all NCAA organizations.

Bulldogs head coach Maura Crowell said it’s an accomplishment for the entire program.

“The success of our program attracts certain people, and our staffs, this year, over the years. We’re looking for certain types of recruits, not just anybody. I think that’s what we’re really proud of, what we’ve built here. Not any person in particular.”

When Crowell was asked which team specifically she’ll root for she responded with, “anywhere there’s a Bulldog.”

Additionally former Minnesota Whitecaps defender and Duluth Marshall girls hockey head coach Amanda Boulier was drafted 77th overall by Ottawa. For the full draft list, Click here.

Puck drop on the inaugural season is set for January 2024.