FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 23, 2020

BROOKLYN – The 2020 National Women’s Hockey League Draft will be unveiled live on Twitter on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29 beginning each night at 7 p.m. ET.

The first two rounds of the draft will be presented on Tuesday, and the final three rounds will be announced on Wednesday. The six NWHL teams competing next season will participate: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the new expansion team in Toronto, which was introduced yesterday.

Players interested in joining the NWHL and being considered for the 2020 draft and contracts for the 2020-21 season continue to register at nwhl.zone/free agency. Draft selections will be players who completed their collegiate careers earlier this year. Once the draft reveal is over each night, teams may begin contract discussions with their selections.

Toronto has been granted the first overall selection, and then will have the second pick in the second round, third in the third, fourth in the fourth, and fifth pick in the fifth round. All other slots are based on the 2019-20 regular season standings. Prior to the opening of the draft on Tuesday, teams have the opportunity to complete trades.

“As the NWHL continues to showcase women’s hockey and its remarkable players, we recognize that the draft is a cherished and important moment in a professional athlete's career,” said NWHL Deputy Commissioner/Director of Player Development Michelle Picard. “We hope everyone joins us on Tuesday and Wednesday as we announce the drafting of 30 players and celebrate their achievements and their college programs. We know that many of these players will have important roles on their NWHL teams in the upcoming season, and we look forward to the launch of their professional hockey careers.”

Order of Selection:

Round 1: Toronto, Connecticut, Buffalo, Metropolitan, Minnesota, Boston

Round 2: Connecticut, Toronto, Buffalo, Metropolitan, Minnesota, Boston

Round 3: Connecticut, Buffalo, Toronto, Metropolitan, Minnesota, Boston

Round 4: Connecticut, Buffalo, Metropolitan, Toronto, Minnesota, Boston

Round 5: Connecticut, Buffalo, Connecticut*, Minnesota, Toronto, Boston

*pick acquired from Riveters in Maria Sorokina trade





About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)

Established in 2015, the NWHL was the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players. The mission of the league is to fuel the continued growth of the sport and brand of pro women’s hockey. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and a new team in Toronto set to debut in the league’s sixth season. Visit NWHL.zone and follow on Twitter and Facebook @NWHL and Instagram @NWHL.zone