DETROIT, MI (June 17, 2026) – PWHL Las Vegas has selected forward Tessa Janecke from Penn State University in the first round (third overall) of the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck, which is currently taking place at Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI.
Janecke completed her four-year collegiate career at Penn State as the most decorated player in program history. The three-time Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Player of the Year and Forward of the Year set program records for goals (89), assists (112) and points (201) and became Penn State’s first-ever top three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award as a senior. During that senior season in 2025-26, Janecke totaled 48 points (26G, 22A), her fourth straight season with 45 or more points, and helped lead the Nittany Lions to their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. The 22-year-old native of Orangeville, IL has represented the United States on the international stage, including registering five assists in seven games in America’s run to a gold medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Janecke has also skated in the IIHF Women’s World Championship three times, earning two gold medals and a silver medal in the competition.
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.