Well, well, well. I told you there would be more draft content coming from your favorite NCAA writers. So, here we are, again highlighting some of the athletes vying to hear their name called at the 2026 PWHL entry draft. Today, I’m reviewing the top defenders from Hockey East that entered the draft this season.
Here at TIG, we’ve already taken a look at the top forwards from Hockey East and the ECAC — not to mention our discussions on the top players available overall from both the AHA and NEWHA. What it boils down to is that we’ve got a lot of content, and we’re not stopping just yet.
Over 30 players in total entered the draft from the conference. Just six of them played on the blue line in the NCAA in 2025-26. Today, we’re looking at who I consider are the top three (plus one) players at the position going into the draft.
HM: Maeve Kelly, Boston University | Victoria, MN
Kelly spent four years with the Terriers and grew every year during that time. During her final two seasons, the defender registered 20 points, a sizable jump up from the nine she combined for as a freshman and sophomore. While BU’s defense needed to be recalibrated during this season following the graduation of half of their core, Kelly stepped up when needed. She often played on the top units for BU, especially down the stretch as the team battled a plethora of injuries. In those minutes, she performed well, and delivered when it mattered.
As a senior, Kelly blocked 29 shots in front of her own net, the third-most of anyone on the Terriers. Take that gritty side of her game and combine it with her height. At 5-foot-9, Kelly is one of the tallest defenders from HEA in the draft. What you get is a player perfect for any team looking for a shutdown defender with some offensive upside.
The biggest thing that leans in Kelly’s favor is the system she knows how to play. BU for much of Kelly’s tenure has played one of the best defensive structures in the conference. The Terriers for the last three seasons have finished as one of the top teams in shots against without fail. Kelly has grown and developed in that system. Her style of play and her skill fits with a team that emphasizes the defense-first mind-set. San Jose, I’m looking at you.
1. Jules Constantinople, Northeastern | East Haven, CT
Throughout four years at Northeastern, Constantinople has developed into one of the most well-rounded players in HEA. A puck-moving, offensive defender, the former Husky spent four years on Huntington Avenue and over time became a cornerstone to NU’s defensive structure.
Often it was Constantinople manning the point when Northeastern had set themselves up in the offensive zone. Her heavy shot has proved fruitful in multiple situations over the years. It was one of the biggest reasons for her 17 point season in 2025-26, and elevated her on Northeastern’s power play — a unit she scored nine goals on across the last three seasons.
Whether it’s keeping the puck in at the line during a clearing attempt, or just getting back in transition when needed thanks to her speed, Constantinople is everywhere on the ice. Her 89 blocks this season were the most of any player in HEA, and added to her 245 total over four seasons.
Constantinople might not be the tallest defender, but she’s quick and she plays up to her opponents. And to the situation. When it comes down to it, she’s also not afraid to get physical. This does run her into trouble, but it also adds another layer to her game that will translate well into the PWHL — especially with heavier hits allowed compared to some NCAA contests.
The reigning Hockey East Defender of the Year is a solid addition to any team, both on and off the ice. A vocal leader and hard worker, Constantinople is a worthwhile piece for any team looking for a young defender. And something tells me that’s every single team this year.
2. Cristina Cavaliere, Providence | Mississauga, Ontario
Similarly to Kelly, Cavaliere had to take steps this season following the departure of members of Providence’s blue line. What makes Cavaliere more appealing for this list, however, is the level to which she succeeded on a team that struggled mightily this season.
In 31 games as a senior, the defender put up 21 points including 19 assists: career highs in both statistics. In fact, she more than doubled her offensive numbers from one season to the next this year. And this on a team that altogether was not scoring a whole heck of a lot.
As her offense was getting better, her defense was also improving. As a junior Cavaliere blocked 44 shots, the second-most of anyone on PC. In 2025-26, that number jumped to 72 blocks, the most of any Friar — and tied for fourth in the conference. On a team that struggled to keep pucks out of their net, Cavaliere was on the ice for goals against far less than some of her defensive counterparts.
Cavaliere was also often on the ice at almost any given moment. She averaged far more minutes this season than she did last. Plus, she was utilized more often than many other players in DI. For a league that has seen more than its fair share of overtime hockey this season, adding a player like Cavaliere is intriguing for that minute-eating ability.
Honestly, she reminds me a lot of Brooke Becker, her former teammate at PC. Becker played sizable minutes for Minnesota this season as a rookie. I believe Cavaliere can follow a similar path and perform well for any of the 12 teams.
3. Meghane Duchesne-Chalifoux, UConn | Montréal, Québec
When I thought of UConn’s defense before this season, Duchesne-Chalifoux didn’t immediately jump to mind. After the 2025-26 year however, the defender greatly exceeded the expectations I had for her.
As a senior, Duchesne-Chalifoux saw her most productive year yet. With three goals and 15 points, the defender from Québec lapped the offensive output that she had as a junior. That’s not to say she didn’t have offensive upside when she was playing further down in the lineup earlier in her career. More so, she’s developed her game to add another level to what she’s capable on the other end of the ice.
Plus, in her own end, Duchesne-Chalifoux is a solid, reliable defender. Over four seasons, she never finished with a negative plus/minus. Which, yes, isn’t my favorite statistic, either. However, when playing heavier minutes against top lines from other squads, it does become more important. She was also playing alongside a freshman for most of the season. Duchesne-Chalifoux throughout the season elevated her own game alongside said freshman, Camryn Grimley. It made both players better, and in turn made the team better.
I do think what will cause a bit of concern for general managers is Duchesne-Chalifoux’s height. At 5-foot-4 she is one of the shortest defenders in the Hockey East draft pool. What my response would be is that she doesn’t play that way. Duchesne-Chalifoux is reliable to a fault, and in some ways you don’t notice her on the ice all of the time. Which, in this case, is a good thing.
She’s able to step into any role necessary and performs in the system UConn has created perfectly. She also has experience succeeding in a variety of situations. Duchesne-Chalifoux is reliable in any place you put her, and that causes her to stand out in this draft class.
