DETROIT, MI (June 17, 2026) – PWHL Hamilton selected defender Nelli Laitinen from the University of Minnesota in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck, which is currently taking place at Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI.
Laitinen finished her four-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota with 94 points (22G, 74A) in 145 games. As a senior in 2025-26, Laitinen set career highs in goals (10), assists (20) and points (30) and was named All-WCHA Second Team. A two-time captain, Laitinen was part of two Frozen Four teams during her time at Minnesota. Prior to beginning her collegiate career, the 24-year-old native of Lohja, Finland, had a strong run in the Auroraliiga, the top women’s hockey league in Finland. She was named the league’s Best Defenseman three times, earned All-Star honors four times and helped lead her teams to three Aurora Borealis Cup championships. On the international stage, Laitinen appeared in the 2022 and 2026 Olympic Winter Games, helping lead Finland to a bronze medal in 2022 in Beijing. She has also earned four medals (three bronze, one silver) competing at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
The first two rounds of the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck is available in the U.S. on Scripps Sports platforms, including over-the-air television in select markets, nationally on Scripps FAST channel, Scripps Sports Network, and in Canada, on TSN2. Complete coverage of all rounds will also be available on TSN+ in Canada, in addition to the PWHL YouTube Channel, worldwide (with no blackouts). Visit thepwhl.com for full broadcast details and follow along with all selections here.