We’re almost there! With the 2026 PWHL Entry Draft just two days away, the final pre-draft previews are rolling in. Right now, let’s take a look at the top defenders from ECAC Hockey.
It’s a funky draft class for defenders, both from the NCAA overall and specifically ECAC Hockey. Headlining the list of draft-eligible blueliners is the fearsome Wisconsin duo of Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey, with other WCHA prospects in tow. But behind the top prospects from the Badgers, Buckeyes, and Golden Gophers, there is a noticeable talent gap.
With that being said, the top tier of ECAC defenders is still impressive. Of the conference’s 11 draft-eligible defenders, at least three or four should make PWHL opening-night rosters. Which of those players can stick around in the league, and if that number can end up higher than three, is a difficult question.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the rest of The Ice Garden’s pre-draft coverage, which includes articles on the WCHA and Hockey East’s top forwards and defenders, names to know from NEWHA and the AHA, and the best international and goaltending prospects.
Now, let’s get into the list…
1. Grace Dwyer, Cornell | Wynnewood, Pa.
2025-26 stats: 33 games, 6 goals, 14 assists
Like most of the players on this list, Dwyer spent the 2025-26 season tasked with matching up against the conference’s best forwards — including those likely to have their names called early Wednesday night — and proved herself up to the challenge. While not as physically imposing, Dwyer’s game is fairly similar to Cornell’s top defender from a season ago, 2026 Walter Cup starter Rory Guilday.
Both Guilday and Dwyer are defensive defenders who do an excellent job shutting down passing and shooting lanes, and keeping opposing forwards away from the net. A 2025-26 All-ECAC Third Team honoree, Dwyer featured on both Cornell’s penalty kill and power play, but her offensive upside is somewhat limited. Still, her consistent and largely mistake-free decision-making on defense makes it easy to imagine her being a day one second- or third-pairing defender in the PWHL.
2. Casey Borgiel, Colgate | Port Huron, Mich.
2025-26 stats: 36 games, 4 goals, 17 assists
After spending two years at Holy Cross, where she racked up seven, then 11 points, Borgiel’s offensive numbers exploded in her first year with the Raiders. Her junior year total of 26 assists was second on the team and top 10 in the conference. This past year was also impressive offensively, translating a career-high 101 shots into a career-high four goals.
“She has that ability to play a two-way game from the back end and has a toughness to her. [Borgiel is] a bit of a throwback and just an exceptional player and teammate. A player that every team wants on their team,” Colgate head coach Stefan Decosse told The Ice Garden.
At 5-foot-7 (an inch shorter than Dwyer), Borgiel will likely be able to handle the PWHL’s increased physicality. The bigger question is if she will be able to manage the league’s increased offensive skill.
3. Zoe Uens, Quinnipiac | Belleville, Ont.
2025-26 stats: 41 games, 10 goals, 9 assists
Quinnipiac head coach Cassandra Turner called her a “stable defenseman,” and if you watched Uens over the course of her senior year you would understand why. Uens does a lot of things well, from playing a mature, mistake-limited defensive game to being a savvy defensive zone passer after she forces turnovers.
Following three fairly quiet offensive seasons, Uens scored an eye-opening 10 goals this year, most of which came from one-timers or quick-release wrist shots. While she’s not likely to be a major offensive threat in the PWHL, the 2025-26 season certainly proved she is ready to provide scoring from the blue line.
“Whoever gets her is going to be really happy with how tough she plays and how strong she is defensively. She’s a great skater, so I’m very confident she’ll work into the league pretty quickly,” Turner said.
4. Stephanie Bourque, Union | Moncton, N.B
Though at 5-foot-4 she’s slightly undersized, I really like Bourque’s game. On defense, the word that comes to mind is “pesky” because she’s not a physically imposing player who can drive opponents off the puck, but she does a nice job of staying in front of forwards in her defensive zone and using her stick to break up passes. Bourque finished the season with 49 blocks, second-most on her team.
It’s a bit difficult to judge Bourque since she played on a constantly outmatched Union team (the Garnet Chargers went 43-92-7 during her time in Schenectady, N.Y.), but the fact she managed 21 assists in a season is a huge testament to her passing ability. Her combination of being a hard worker on defense and a high-level puck mover in the offensive zone could be perfect for a third-pairing defender in the PWHL.
5. Megan McKay, Clarkson | Zionsville, In
2025-26 stats: 35 games, 5 goals, 10 assists
If recent history is any indicator, Clarkson defenders seem to thrive in the PWHL.
After three seasons at Mercyhurst, McKay transitioned to ECAC Hockey with ease, finishing her senior season with a +17 plus/minus, three higher than the next highest Clarkson defender. McKay’s 34 blocks ranked third on the Golden Knights.
McKay’s defensive game is headlined by her frame. At 5-foot-10 and unafraid to use physicality, she has the potential to be a bruising defender in the PWHL. McKay’s physical play also shows up on offense. While most defenders (including those on this list) tend to do most of their damage on the blue line, McKay has the ability to score in or near the crease thanks to her size. While her collegiate career doesn’t jump out in the same way as the first four names on this list, her PWHL potential could see her sneak into the middle rounds of the draft.
Other Defenders to Know:
Both Cornell’s Alyssa Regalado and Yale’s Gracie Gilkyson could have featured in spots four or five on this list and will likely get training camp invites if they don’t get drafted Wednesday. I think Dartmouth’s Meredith Jensen and St. Lawrence’s Alexa Davis should also warrant looks from general managers, but are much less likely to make a roster.
