The 2020 NWHL Draft

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

The National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) took Wayne Gretzy’s advice to heart on April 28th, as they began the first round of the 2020 NWHL draft on Tuesday night.

In this uncertain time, the NWHL made due with what they had: six teams to fill, support from sports personalities, and Twitter. In an hour and a half, fans and 30 aspiring professional hockey players came together on the NWHL to announce the first 12 picks. 

The first pick went to the Boston Pride, acquired from the new Toronto expansion team (still to be named). ESPN’s John Buccigross made the pick for the Pride announcing forward Sammy Davis from Boston University as the fist overall pick in the 2020 NWHL draft. 

“Being selected first overall is a great reminder of how hard Sammy has worked and the talent that she brings to the game.” Brian Burocher, head coach at Boston University, said in a statement. “…I know that the Pride will be getting a person of character ability who will embrace the challenge of professional hockey.”

Davis ended her college career early, due to Covid-19, but scored the game-winning goal in the 2019 Women’s Beanpot Final over Harvard University, helping lift Boston University to its first championship as a varsity club. She led the Terriers with 17 goals and 24 assists this season.

Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA was able to announce the second pick for the Connecticut Whale, the pick being forward Kayla Friesen of Clarkson University. 

“She’s physical, strong, and not afraid to get to the tough areas of the ice to compete for pucks and score goals.” Matt Desrosiers, head coach at Clarkson University, said in a statement. “She is the type of player that coaches want in their program and will be a great addition to any team.”

In her one year at Clarkson, Frieson was the team’s fourth-leading scorer before she sat out nine games with injuries.

The third pick of the night was for the Buffalo Beauts, who picked goalie Carly Jackson of the University of Maine. 

“Fans of Buffalo are going to get a consistent, poised and controlled goalie who started for us in all four of her seasons. She improved each season and became a leader and role model in her career.” Richard Reichenbach, head coach of the University of Maine, said in a statement. “Her only downside is trying to get to wear sleeves in the weight room. Congrats, Carly!” 

Jackson started 27 out of 28 games for the Black Bears and finished with a 9-13-5 record during her junior year. She registered three shutouts on the season and had a season high of 40 saves in a victory over Harvard University.

The fourth pick of the night was announced by the Black Girl Hockey Club founder and executive director, Renee Hess. The pick is defender Saroya Tinker, from Yale University. 

“Tinker is a great selection for the Riveters. We are very proud and excited for her as she begins a pro hockey career in the NWHL.” Mark Bolding, head coach at Yale University, said in a statement. “She is a smart, smooth-skating defensemen who has a great first pass and can also be a shut-down player in the D. zone.” 

Tinker skated in all 32 games and scored one goal with 11 assists her senior year at Yale, and, during her junior year, set a career high in points with 3 goals and 8 assists.

The Minnesota Whitecaps were on the clock next and with the help of the WNBA, picked Alex Woken, a forward from the University of Minnesota. 

“When it comes to competing, there is no one better.” Brad Frost, head coach of University of Minnesota, said in a statement. “Alex is a great teammate and leader as well.”

During her senior season, Woken was named WCHA Student-Athlete of the Year, WCHA Scholar-Athlete, and WCHA All-Academic Team honoree. She ranked fifth on the team with a career high of 32 points. 

In the sixth pick and Toronto’s first ever, the team chose forward Jaycee Gebhard of Robert Morris University. The pick was announced by Meghan Chayke, co-founder of Stathletes. 

“Toronto, you’re getting an absolutely amazing player, and better yet, just an outstanding person.” Paul Colontino, head coach of Robert Morris University, said in a statement. “Good luck to the new expansion team in Toronto and good luck to you too, Jaycee!” 

Gabhard set a new program record her senior year, led all CHA scoring for a second straight year and set a second program record with 43 assists; beating her record of 32. In December, she received the Women’s Hockey Commissioners’ Association National Player of the Month.

For the start of round two, Steph McMahon of the WWE announced the seventh overall pick for the Connecticut Whale: Victoria Howran, defensive player from the University of New Hampshire.

“Tori is a fierce competitor. She was a leader on our team who we relied on in every situation of the game.” Hilary Witt, head of the University of New Hampshire, said in a statement.

In the eighth pick, NLL Deputy Commissioner, Jessica Berman announced Amy Curlaw, a forward from Cornell University to Toronto. There was no statement provided.

For the ninth pick, UFC Fighter, Roxy Modafferi, announced Codie Cross, defensive player from Northeastern University.

“So excited for Codie that she will have the opportunity to continue her career.” Dave Flint, head coach of Northeastern University, said in a statement. 

For the tenth pick medical staff from the North Well Health announced Delaney Belinskas, a forward from Boston College, to the Riveters. 

“Delaney is a great representative of Boston College hockey and she is a great player who will be an asset to any team she plays on.” Katie King Crowley, head coach of Boston College, said in a statement. 

USA Hockey made an appearance with the eleventh pick of the night, as Katie Million, Director of Women’s National Team Programs, announced Patti Marshall, defensive player from the University of Minnesota was picked by the Minnesota Whitecaps.

“She plays both ends of the rink extremely well and has had great experience at every level.” Brad Frost, head of University of Minnesota, said in a statement. 

To finish the night, Kenny Albert and his daughters, announced the twelfth pick, for the Boston Pride: Tereza Vanisova, forward from University of Maine.

“Fans expect a player who loves to have the puck and make plays like she does.” Richard Reichenbach, head coach of the University of Maine, said in a statement. “…She is always thinking offense and is a fierce competitor. Tereza is one of the best athletes I have ever seen.” 

The first two rounds were busy and exciting. Tune in on the NWHL Twitter tomorrow for more surprise appearance and to celebrate the athletes getting drafted!