DETROIT – The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League has taken over the city of Detroit this week, with the main event being the PWHL Entry Draft taking place at the legendary Fox Theatre.
Local ties can be found throughout this years draft class, but one of the more recognizable Michiganders entering the league is Kirsten Simms from Plymouth.
Recommended Videos
Kirsten was selected eighth overall by the Toronto Sceptres, one of five former Wisconsin Badgers that were picked in the first round of Wednesday’s draft.
“It’s a dream come true. This is something when I was younger I didn’t even know was possible,” said the 21-year-old after she heard her name called. “It only became a reality a couple years ago, and for it to be here and the day has come now and the pick came and I know where I am playing next year, it’s just super exciting and I am super grateful.”
SIMMS IN THE SIX! pic.twitter.com/RP8XaccJEB
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) June 17, 2026
Simms has exactly 100 total goals scored in 152 career games player at Wisconsin, and was even a member of the USA Women’s Hockey Olympic team that took home the gold medal at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Toronto is one of the original franchises in the PWHL and finished fifth in the league standings last season.
The PWHL Draft consists of 72 selections across 12 teams during the course of six rounds on Wednesday night. 236 players are eligible to be selected and you can follow along with the picks here.