Two Saskatchewan players selected in the first PWHL draft

Two Saskatchewan players are joining the ranks of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

Saskatoon’s Sophie Shirley and Prince Albert’s Brooke Hobson were among the 48 Canadians to be drafted at the PWHL’s inaugural draft in Toronto.

On Monday, Shirley was selected 63rd overall by Boston. Hobson was taken with the 45th overall selection by New York.

Hobson on stage after being selected by New York at the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s inaugural draft on Sept. 18, 2023 (PWHL)

Shirley’s hockey resume includes two NCAA women’s hockey championships with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Before joining the University of Wisconsin, the 24-year-old represented Canada at the U-18 women’s world hockey championships, capturing two silver medals.

Hobson and Shirley were Team Canada teammates on the 2017 U-18 squad before she joined Northeastern University in Boston.

She spent five years with the Pride before moving to Sweden and played last season with Modo.

Brooke’s mother Deb Hobson watched the draft from home and told paNOW as a mom there is absolutely nothing better than seeing her daughter fulfil her dream.

“Right from her first game at four years old, hockey is her heart and I’m just so excited to see her be part of this inaugural draft,” she said. “She is one of the most humble people that I know and has always just played with the biggest heart.”

Following Monday’s 15-round draft in Toronto, training camps start Nov. 13.

The PWHL then opens a 24-game regular season in January.

— With files from paNOW