The Montréal Victoire came into the 2026 PWHL Draft with a need to add all-around depth after major losses to expansion.
Picking at the end of each round, they didn’t have the most favourable draft position. Still, the Victoire came away with a strong set of players that will help bolster Montréal’s depth entering next season, with a chance to continue to add in free agency.
Here’s a look at the six players the Victoire selected in this year’s draft:
Round 1, 12th – C Petra Nieminen (Luleå HF)
After a number of top defenders were taken off the board in the first round, the Victoire opted to use their first selection to take 27-year-old Finnish centre Petra Nieminen. After the losses of Hayley Scamurra and Shiann Darkangelo to expansion, Montréal was in need of some help down the middle. Already an established pro, Nieminen will fill that role well.
Nieminen had 24 goals and 45 points this past season in 27 games with Luleå HF in the SDHL. Her consistency with Luleå has been impressive over the past half decade, recording at least 45 points every year since the 2019-20 season. A two-time Olympic and five-time World Championship medalist, she also brings a wealth of international experience with the Finnish national team. Not to mention, she was listed at #6 in The Ice Garden‘s 2024 Top 25 Under 25.
Round 2, 24th – F Avi Adam (Cornell)
In the second round of the draft, Montréal opted to target a forward once again, selecting Avi Adam from Cornell. Adam had 12 goals and 17 assists with Cornell last season. The Nova Scotia native’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but she’s responsible defensively, has a strong shot, and can play a role on special teams.
Round 3, 36th – D Zoe Uens (Quinnipiac)
Montréal’s first defender of the draft came in the third round, as the Victoire selected Zoe Uens from Quinnipac. Uens had a breakout season with Quinnipiac this past year, scoring 10 goals and totalling 19 points in 41 games. She’s a solid bottom pairing option for the Victoire as they figure out their new-look blue line.
Round 4, 48th – G Hailey MacLeod (Ohio State)
In the fourth round, the Victoire selected Ohio State goaltender Hailey MacLeod. The 22-year-old is the first netminder drafted by the Victoire since the team selected Elaine Chuli in the league’s inaugural draft.
Ranked by The Ice Garden as one of the top NCAA goaltenders available in this draft, MacLeod is coming off a stellar season with Ohio State. The Abbotsford, B.C. native posted a .932 SV% and a 26-4-0 record this season with OSU, backstopping the team to an NCAA Finals finish. Depending what happens with Sandra Abstreiter––who is currently a free agent––MacLeod could slot in as the Victoire’s new backup goaltender.
Round 5, 60th – D Erica Rieder (Luleå HF)
Montréal made their second pick of the draft from Luleå HF with defender Erica Rieder. The Regina, Saskatchewan native spent the last two seasons with Luleå, totalling 20 points each year. At 29 years old, she brings experience to Montréal’s rebuilding blue line, and boasts decent size at 5-foot-9. In Luleå, she also played on the blue line alongside Victoire defender Nadia Mattivi, who just signed a three-year extension in Montréal.
Round 6, 72nd – F Emilie Lavoie (Concordia)
With the final selection of the draft, the Victoire selected Concordia forward Emilie Lavoie. The Victoire’s Concordia connection is evident, given Montréal assistant coach Caroline Ouellette previously served as the school’s coach alongside Julie Chu.
Lavoie had six goals and 21 points with the Stingers last season. The 24-year-old faces an uphill battle for a roster spot, and is more primed to slot in as a reserve to start the year.
