Ottawa to host the 2025 PWHL Draft on June 24

Fan replica PWHL jerseys. (BAUER - PWHL)

The next stars of women’s professional hockey will take their first step in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) in Ottawa.

The PWHL announced the 2025 PWHL Draft will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 24.

“The event will bring together the league’s leading prospects, well-known figures from the women’s hockey community, and the PWHL’s dedicated fanbase to celebrate the next wave of league stars,” the PWHL said in a statement.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe calls Ottawa hosting the PWHL draft a “big win for fans and for the local economy.”

“Ottawa is a passionate hockey city and we have embraced the Ottawa Charge and women’s professional hockey enthusiastically, leading the league in attendance in the inaugural season,” Sutcliffe said in a social media post.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate our support for women’s hockey and show off our city to the hockey world. It’s a big win for fans and for the local economy.”

Players have until May 8 to declare their eligibility for selection in the 2025 draft.

Sarah Fillier was the first player selected in the 2024 PWHL draft by New York. The Ottawa Charge selected Danielle Serdachny with the second pick.

The PWHL is currently on a break for the World Women’s Hockey Championship.

This will be the first-ever event held at the new Hard Rock Live theatre, which is part of the $350 million construction and expansion project at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is the exclusive brick-and-mortar casino partner of the Ottawa Charge.