The new professional women’s hockey team in Las Vegas, or Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), has announced its first group of rookies.
During the 2026 Draft, the Las Vegas club made eight picks. Each selection was chosen for their professional skill on the ice.
Tessa Janecke, a forward from Penn State, was Las Vegas’s first-ever PWHL draft pick at third overall. Two picks later, the team chose Lacey Eden, a forward from Wisconsin, at fifth overall. This move emphasizes their commitment to building a professional-caliber roster.
Janecke was named Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Player of the Year three times. In her senior season, she tallied 48 points, including 26 goals, in 31 games. She also helped Penn State reach its first Frozen Four. Additionally, she played for the U.S. women’s team that won gold at the Winter Olympics in Italy earlier this year, just months before being drafted by Las Vegas in the PWHL. Her professional experience has made her a standout choice.
Eden, now set to play for Las Vegas in the PWHL, won four NCAA championships with Wisconsin. This is the most in program history. Moreover, her journey to the professional level has been impressive. In her senior season, she recorded 58 points, including 24 goals, in 41 games.
Las Vegas will join the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) later this year as an expansion team. The team will play its home games at T-Mobile Arena, marking the start of their professional era.
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
