Five Former Bulldogs Ready to Embark on PWHL Careers

All five players will report to their team's training camp beginning in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last Tuesday, five more Bulldogs heard their named called at the PWHL Draft, making it now 18 former UMD standouts drafted the past three years.

Olivia Mobley started a run in the 3rd round as she was taken first at number 18 by Boston.

One pick later, Nina Jobst-Smith went to Vancouver.

Then to round out the 3rd, Clara Van Wieren went 23rd to Toronto. She’ll be joined by Hanna Baskin, who was snagged by Toronto at number 43.

Finally, Olivia Wallin was the last Bulldog taken at number 47 by Seattle.

Some of the players admitted they kind of knew where they were heading. As for a few others, it was honestly a surprise.

“For me personally, I was definitely really shocked that I ended up in Vancouver. I know that lineup is already pretty stacked up and down, top to bottom. I mean they had six D signed going into the draft, so I wasn’t really expecting to go end up there. Obviously really excited that I did, to be able to play in my hometown,” said Jobst-Smith.

“Had a lot of conversations with different teams. Had no idea that Seattle was even interested or was going to draft me. I’m just really grateful that they did draft me and I’m super excited to go to the west coast,” added Wallin.

The players will have to adjust to their new cities as well as adjusting to teammates, who are now their opponents.

“Luckily I won’t have to play against Clara, I just have to play against her every single day in practice. So, that’s even better. It’s always fun to play against your former teammates. We’ve pushed each other in practices and everything so we kind of know how each other plays. We’re not going to go easy on each other, that’s forsure. So, looking forward to it,” said Baskin.

All five players will report to their team’s training camp beginning in November.