DETROIT, MI (June 17, 2026) – The Minnesota Frost selected six in the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck, adding three forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender to the organization’s roster. These selections add depth to the team’s lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season, joining six players already under contract.
“This year’s draft had an incredible pool of players, and we are excited about our picks and what they will bring to our team,” said Frost General Manager Melissa Caruso. “Every selection was made intentionally with this consideration of not only this upcoming season but as we look to build for the future of the organization. We believe all our picks will fill a vital role in the team we are continuing to build upon throughout this offseason.”
Minnesota 2026 PWHL Draft Picks:
Round 1 — 9th Pick Overall, Sara Swiderski, Defender, Ohio State University, Langley, BC
Round 2 — 21st Pick Overall – Viivi Vainikka, Forward, Brynas, Espoo, FIN
Round 3 — 33rd Pick Overall – Maddy Christian, Forward, Penn State, Elk River, MN
Round 4 — 45th Pick Overall – Tova Henderson, Defender, University Of Minnesota-Duluth, Richmond, BC
Round 5 — 57th Pick Overall – Daria Gredzen, Goalie, Birusa Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, RUS
Round 6 — 69th Pick Overall – Lara Beecher, Forward, Clarkson University, Buffalo, NY
A total of 72 players were selected by the league’s 12 teams during the six-round process. Click here for full results.
ABOUT MINNESOTA FROST
Minnesota Frost is one of 12 teams in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was founded in 2023. The PWHL began its inaugural season in January 2024 and features the best women’s hockey players in the world. The PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide record for a women’s hockey game. For the latest news and information on Minnesota Frost, visit minnesota.thepwhl.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.