The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has seen a slower-than-expected influx of top European talent coming directly from overseas leagues. While stars like Petra Nieminen, Viivi Vainikka, and Andrea Brandli are set to join the league this season, several other elite players—including Hanna Thuvik, Sanni Rantala, Lara Stalder, Elisa Holopainen, and Sara Cajanova—have opted to remain in Europe for now.
The direct transition from European leagues to the PWHL has proven challenging for some. Players like Noora Tulus, for instance, returned home after just one season, highlighting the adjustment difficulties that come with adapting to North American ice size, speed, and style of play.
However, the European pipeline to the PWHL is far from dry—it's simply taking a different route. A growing wave of international talent is now flowing through the NCAA, where players spend several seasons developing before entering the professional ranks. This pathway has proven to be a more effective preparation for the PWHL's demanding style.
The 2026 PWHL Draft is a perfect example of this trend. This year's class features first overall pick Kristyna Kalotounkova, along with fellow NCAA standouts Nelli Laitinen, Josefin Bouveng, and Thea Johansson—all of whom honed their skills in the American college system before turning pro.
Looking ahead, the 2027 Draft will bring another wave of NCAA-developed Europeans, including Czechia's Andrea Trnkova and Hungary's Emma Kreisz. But it's the 2028 and 2029 draft classes that are truly poised to transform the league's international makeup.
These future classes are loaded with impact players who entered the NCAA with a clear understanding that the PWHL pathway runs through college hockey. The 2028 class alone features Sweden's Mira Jungaker, Felicia Frank, Lisa Jonsson, and Nicole Hall; Finland's Julia Schalin, Emilia Krykko, Siira Yrjola, and Oona Havana; and Czechia's Michaela Hesova.
The 2029 class is even more exciting, headlined by Sweden's Hilda Svensson and Jenna Raunio; Finland's Sanni Vanhanen; Czechia's Adela Sapovalivova and Tereza Plosova; Italy's Matilde Fantin; and Switzerland's Alessia Baechler.
While the SDHL and PostFinance Women's League remain strong alternatives, the NCAA has emerged as the premier development ground for future PWHL stars. The message is clear: the league is about to get a whole lot more cosmopolitan—it's just taking the scenic route through college hockey first.