#scouting report

[summerskies]

USports players declared for the 2026 PWHL draft

(note--I'm only reallyyyy familiar with Canada West, so for conferences outside that I'll just summarize stats + any articles I find on them)

There are 38 total players out of USports declared for the draft. They are listed alphabetically as follows.

Names to watch:

Grace Elliott, Annalise Wong, Sophie Hudson, Zoe McGee, Elise Hugens, Jessymaude Drapeau

Programs to watch:

Concordia University, University of British Columbia

Lyndsy Acheson out of the University of Waterloo (OUA) Defender

A defender who has come into her own as a scoring danger with the Warriors. By her high number of PIMs, she's likely trusted with a lot of defensive zone time and has to do the work to get her team on the breakout. She served as captain of the team this past season.

Brooklyn Anderson out of the University of Calgary (CW) Forward

Fifth year student finishing a degree in Kinesiology, having previously played three years at Trinity Western. She was the captain of the Dinos this past season. Although she missed ten games, she was still second on the Dinos in scoring with 17 points through 16 games. She was named to the Canada West second all-star team, and was one of only seven players on the team to have a point in a lackluster playoff performance.

Alexis Bedier out of Concordia University (RSEQ) Forward

Bedier has experience in the NCAA, having played three seasons at Penn State before transfering to Concordia to finish her degree. She is a consistent half-point-per-game player at the USports level. She wore an A this past season for the Stingers.

Béatrice Bilodeau out of the University of Ottawa (OUA) Forward

A product of Sainte-Marie, Québec, Bilodeau has shown significant improvement over the past four years at the University of Ottawa. She has been the captain of the Gee-Gees for the past two years. Led her team to the OUA final before losing to 2-1 to Guelph.

Meadow Carman out of the University of British Columbia (CW) Defender

A defender well familiar with the NCAA game, she spent four years at Brown University (and the last season as captain) before coming to UBC for two years. She is a true shut-down defender.

Carys Collie out of Queen's University (OUA) Forward

A fifth year student at Queen's, Collie wore an A for the Gaels this past season. She would not necessarily be a player pegged for her offence, but two of her four goals this season were game-winning goals.

Jessymaude Drapeau out of Concordia University (RSEQ) Forward

Drapeau led the Stingers in points this season with 40 (22G, 18A) through 24 games. She has not dropped below a point per game in the last three season with Concordia. She also led the RSEQ and the nation in scoring (followed closely by teammate Emilie Lussier, who may declare next year). She was the captain of the Stingers and was named RSEQ player of the year.

Jenna Duarte out of Brock University (OUA) Forward

An alternate captain of the Badger this past season, Duarte missed games and had a bit of a down year offensively. However, she has proven int he past she can produce consistent offence. She also has one year of NCAA experience, playing at Colgate in her first year of varsity sports.

Katina Duscio out of the University of Waterloo (OUA) Defender

Duscio is a Waterloo area native, but spent the past three season in the NCAA at St Lawrence University before coming home to complete her degree. She led all Warriors defenders in points this season, and had three points in three playoff games.

Grace Elliott out of the University of British Columbia (CW) Forward

Elliott is one of the strongest offensive prospects out of USports in this draft. She has led the Thunderbirds in point for two consecutive years (42pts in 28 games in 24-25, 37pts in 28 games in 25-26), and she also led Canada West in scoring for those seasons. She led the nation in goals this season, as well as points and goals last season. She's also probably one of the tallest prospects in this draft at 6'2. She wore an A for the Thunderbirds this past season.

Katelynn Fawcett out of Trinity Western University (CW) Goaltender

Fawcett has posted extraordinary numbers across her five years at Trinity Western, but saw a dip this year. However her record was much improved this year compared to seasons prior. In playoffs she was much less impressive.

Sophia Gaskell out of the University of British Columbia (CW) Defender

Gaskell missed much of the season this year, but previously she has had some impressive seasons for the Thunderbirds.

Katherine Heard out of the University of Guelph (OUA) Forward

Heard had a breakout year this season with Guelph, at just under a point per game. She also had six points through six playoff games. She led the team in scoring this year and was sixth in the OUA.

Vivian Hinch out of St Francis Xavier University (AUS) Defender

On the taller side, Hinch isn't afraid of a penalty and likely gets the tough matchups for her team. However, she can still bring a scoring touch and seems to have developed that side of her game this season.

Sophie Hudson out of Queen's University (OUA) Forward

Hudson tied for first on Queen's in scoring with 31 points this season and served as captain. She also led the OUA in scoring. Although she's declared for the draft, she has signed a one year contract with FC Bern Frauen in the SWHL and will likely at least start the season there.

Elise Hugens out of the University of British Columbia (CW) Goaltender

One of the top goaltenders in Canada West throughout her career, Hugens once again posted admirable numbers and a perfect 16-0-0 record, backing a powerhouse Thunderbirds team to a conference championship. She had a 0.87 GAA this season, which was the second best in the conference and the nation, behind only her goalie partner Mya Lucifora.

Julia Jackson out of Ontario Tech University (OUA) Forward

Jackson has put up four very consistent seasons with the Ridgebacks, ranking among the top scorers this season. In 2024-2025, she was tied for third in the nation in goals. Jackson was a co-captain of the team alongside goaltender Zoe McGee (also declared for the draft).

Tatum James out of the University of Waterloo (OUA) Forward

James is finishing out an impressive career as a Warrior, although her best season to date remains her sophomore year, the only time she averaged over a point per game. She was second in scoring this year on the team.

Annie King out of the University of Alberta (CW) Defender

(Her name on the list is "Anna King", which should've been Anna-Liese or Annie.)

King is another veteran of the NCAA, having played three years at Dartmouth before coming to the U of A to complete her masters. She scored more this year than last, but seems nonetheless to play the shut-down role.

Tessa Kosec out of Nipissing University Defender

Kosec has improved her scoring touch this season, surmounting career highs in points, goals, and assists. She led all Lakers defenders in scoring.

Emilie Lavoie out of Concordia University (RSEQ) Forward

Lavoie was fourth in the RSEQ (and third on Concordia) in scoring this past season. She has put up consistent 20-point seasons during her time at the university. This season she helped the Stingers to a dominant regular season and playoff performance.

Alexandra Lehmann out of Nipissing University (OUA) Goaltender

Lehmann is a member of the Swiss national team and previous to this season had spent several years in the SWHL. From 2018-2020 she spent two years with Carleton University. This season she posted impressive numbers despite backing a lackluster Lakers team.

Teghan MacRae out of the University of Guelph (OUA) Defender

MacRae has consistently played a shut-down role for the Gryphons, having played most, if not all, of the games over the past four years. She provided a veteran presence for a relatively young team this year.

Kaitlyn McKenna out of the University of Guelph (OUA) Forward

McKenna came to Guelph after spending the last four seasons with the University of Toronto. The change saw an immediate jump in offensive production for her. She was also completing a masters program this season.

Zoe McGee out of Ontario Tech University (OUA) Goaltender

Despite her position, McGee served as co-captain of the Ridgebacks this past season. She has posted consistent and impressive numbers over her five years at Ontario Tech, despite backing a less competitive team.

Jadynn Morden out of the University of Alberta (CW) Forward

Morden has posted remarkably consistent numbers the past four years with the Pandas. She tends to have more goals than assists, marking her as a goalscorer rather than a playmaker. She was among the top twenty in Canada West scoring this season.

Carly Orth out of the University of Waterloo (OUA) Forward

Orth has had an impressive couple of seasons with Waterloo, leading the team in scoring through both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. She was also top 10 in OUA scoring this season.

Katia Pelowich out of Concordia Universiy (RSEQ) Forward

Pelowich came to Concordia from St Thomas University, where she previously served as captain. She has had some impressive offensive years in the league but this past season was toned down in comparison.

Erica Plourde out of the University of Moncton (AUS) Forward

Plourde has been a consistent offensive threat for Moncton since her sophomore year. She has led the team in points since 2022-2023. She also tied for fourth in AUS scoring

Keiara Raitt out of the University of Waterloo (OUA) Forward

For the first time in her USports career, Raitt averaged a point per game in the season, despite missing ten games. She was also second on the teams in goals scored, with 11 through 16 games.

Kayla Renaud out of Wilfred Laurier University (OUA) Goaltender

Renaud posted exceptional numbers this year: a 0.952 sv%, 0.96 GAA, and a 16-1-0 record, among the best in the nation. She backstopped the Laurier Golden Hawks through a dominant regular season and a semifinal appearance.

Elle Spencer out of Wilfred Laurier University (OUA) Forward

Spencer had a breakout offensive year with the Golden Hawks, leading the team in goals.

Kierra St. Peter out of the University of Prince Edward Island (AUS) Forward

St. Peter was near the top of her team in scoring this year. Although she didn't wear a letter this season, she was noted as an important part of the team's leadership group.

Emma Tennant out of Queen's University (OUA) Goaltender

Tennant put up good numbers in the regular season, but wasn't able to sustain them in playoffs. Her 0.934 SV% was good enough for fifth in the OUA.

Jordyn Verbeek out of Concordia University (RSEQ) Goaltender

Verbeek wore an A for the Stingers, helping them to an exceptional regular season. Her fourteen wins were the best in the RSEQ, and her 0.935 SV% and 1.42 GAA were good enough for second. She was also third in the nation in points percentage.

Colby Wilson out of the University of Saskatchewan (CW) Goaltender

Wilson has put up good numbers in her time as a Huskie, but in what might be the strongest conference in USports in terms of goaltending, she ranks middle of the pack.

Annalise Wong out of the University of British Columbia (CW) Forward

Captain of the Thunderbids, Wong is one of the most dangerous offensive players in Canada West. You may know her from the video of her rushing to the USports championship game after taking a med school interview in her hockey gear.

Kendra Zuchotzki out of the University of Saskatchewan (CW) Defender

Zuchotzki doesn't often put up big offensive numbers, and her negative +/- suggests she gets a lot of ice time against opponents' best players.

[zanechalk]

The Prize of the Draft: Analyzing Paige Bueckers' Game and Her Projected Impact in the WNBA

This scouting profile examines Paige Bueckers as the crown jewel of the 2026 WNBA Draft class. The summary discusses her collegiate career at UConn, acknowledging the injury hurdles she overcame to return to elite form. It analyzes her game as a "pure hooper," highlighting her high basketball IQ, midrange efficiency, and ability to control the pace of the game as a lead guard.

The analysis projects her fit at the professional level, debating whether she will be a primary scorer or a facilitator in the WNBA. It compares her playstyle to current WNBA stars, noting her size and length as major advantages at the guard position. The piece also touches on her immense marketability and star power, which makes her a franchise-altering asset off the court as well.

The piece concludes by asserting that Bueckers was worth the wait. It argues that despite the medical history, her talent level is transcendent, making her the consensus number one pick and the likely face of the next generation of women's basketball.

Paige Bueckers 2026: Why the WNBA Wait Was Worth It

Paige Bueckers deferred her pro career for one more year at UConn. Why the 2026 top prospect is now worth even more to WNBA expansion

[rustypedia]

[jhsharman]

"spy guy"

Unnecessary correction. Pitch without preposition works.

Three changes in dialogue are needed for this update. Only one was done.

[the-football-chick]

The scouting report on Michigan QB Tom Brady in 2000

Brady was drafted in the 6th Round

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[axiomsofice]

Player Report: Kotkaniemi

The latest dramatic twist of the greatest soap opera on ice is the revenge offer sheet the Hurricanes have signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi to. Outside of the one year pact, which skyrockets the cost of Kotkaniemi’s next qualifying offer, Carolina’s GM Waddell releasing a statement identical to what Canadien’s GM Bergevin said upon signing Sebastian Aho 3 years ago, and a signing bonus of $20 (matching Aho’s jersey number), there’s clearly a very personal aspect to the feud, which goes to show why offer sheets are so rare.

Although this article’s purpose is to outline Kotkaniemi’s game, I feel obligated to mention how wrong I thought it was for these franchises to acquire D’Angelo and Mailloux this offseason.

Even prior to this signing, Kotkaniemi’s valuation has been divided, starting with his selection at the 2018 NHL entry draft, where he was a surprise at 3rd overall. Fundamental to this surprise selection are both his size and position, underscored by another pick in the top 5, Barrett Hayton, especially relative to the wingers they supplanted for draft position (Zadina).

The next surprising turn in his young story came when Kotkaniemi made the Canadiens out of camp, sticking with the NHL club for the entirety of his rookie campaign. At this point I’ll introduce my main player comparison (stylistically), Joel Eriksson-Ek. Both centres made the team at a young age, retrospectively too young as each would backslide afterwards. This is due to a strength that they both share, really strong defensive play. Both have the size to win battles, take faceoffs, and check effectively in zone. Both support teammates in transition offensively, but are smart enough to defend well in transition, and always seem to be in the right position. Both are wise beyond their years in that sense, which helped them win over their coaches despite the shortcomings in their game.

Despite their big frames, both needed to add strength. Specifically to Kotkaniemi, filling out his frame will make him all the more effective, noticeably in regards to his skating. He still looks lanky, Bambi-ish if you will, and falls down easily. Adding strength and balance will make him more effective everywhere on the ice, and although he’ll never be the fastest or most agile, coming into his own in this way will give him a much stronger platform to perform from. It’s really a testament to his intelligent defensive play that he’s been effective in spite of his body’s immaturity. It will also allow him to better capitalize on his strengths winning loose pucks through all zones, especially on the forecheck in the offensive zone where he is already strong.

This physical development will greatly improve his offensive output as well. To this point, the results have been underwhelming for a 3rd overall pick, except for his work in the postseason where he’s vastly outperformed his regular season rates. A huge part of his playoff success has come because of his work in netfront battles, where he’s able to win a lot of 50/50 battles despite his slight frame, using his smarts to bang home hugely important goals. Similar to Eriksson-Ek, Kotkaniemi simply does not profile as an offensive dynamo, but I do believe KK has tool that separates him from his Swedish counterpart, a strong shot.

I believe that if he had been given more time in Finland to hone his offensive skills it might have been more beneficial in the long run, however there is still a possibility Jesperi could develop enough strength for his shot to be a viable option from mid range on the power play, in my mind a wrister from his weakside faceoff dot or the bumper position between the hashmarks. It hasn’t all been positive in Kotkaniemi’s time with the Habs so far, and many of the negatives stem from his offensive game, culminating in a demotion to Laval in his sophomore season. Again, huge similarities with Eriksson-Ek in this sense. Both made the NHL too soon because they are smart, responsible, and competitive, and it cost them a lot of offensive confidence.

Seeing as Eriksson-Ek is 3 years Kotkaniemi’s senior, perhaps the recent developments of the former’s career can inform us of what might be on the horizon for the latter. Eriksson-Ek went from scoring 6 goals in 17/18, 7 goals in 18/19, 8 goals in 19/20, to 19 goals in 2021. Although he was clearly his team’s best centre, he added 11 assists, good for 30 points in 56 games, or more simply put, not an offensive star. Kotkaniemi, despite having more to give offensively, will most likely find himself in a similar situation when it comes to offensive production vs overall impact on the game. Whether it’s Suzuki in Montreal, or Aho in Carolina, Kotkaniemi will not be expected to be the top scoring centre for his team next season.

All of these factors, from his play, the pleasant surprises, the disappointments, the playoff scratches, and now finally this offer sheet goes to show it’s been quite a tumultuous beginning or the young Finn. He brings a lot of value that is subtle, which might require more patience than 3rd overall or a vengeful offer sheet might afford him. Regardless, the best is yet to come for Kotkaniemi, and we should expect him to factor in a big way when the games means the most, perhaps even in the Olympics for a best on best Team Finland.

[hockeywiz777]

Luke Hughes

Defenseman USNTDP Juniors/USHL Height: 6’2″/ Weight: 176 lbs. Luke Hughes Size/Strength ExcellentSkating ExcellentShot/Scoring GoodPuckhandling ExcellentPhysical Play Good…

[fallenloverecords]

Interview:  Harvey Waters

Hi lovers! Here at Fallen Love headquarters we periodically interview people that we adore in order to shine a spotlight on our wonderful pop planet. We post all those interviews right here for your education and enjoyment.

Harvey Waters is bedroom pop musician Danny Keyes from Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA. Fallen Love head Harley e-mailed some questions to Danny. Fallen Love Records: From 2015 to 2017 you recorded and released music as Garbage Water. What prompted the name change and what's the backstory behind the new name? Danny: The name change was a bit impulsive. A lot of people thought Garbage Water was a band so I liked Harvey Waters better 'cause it was more of a character or personality that I could mold into anything I wanted. I still haven't decided exactly what I want the Harvey Waters moniker to be. I've had the name for a while. I don't really know where it came from. Also with this new record I felt like it's much better than anything I've ever released before and just a different thing altogether so the name change more than anything was just a fresh start separating me from Garbage Water. FLR: All the Garbage Water releases were self-released. Why did you decide to hook up with Drunk With Love Records for the new album? D: I remember I stumbled upon Ryder Eaton's Peach Pit and just instantly fell in love with it and everything the label was doing. I was also at a point in my life of finishing up high school and just really wanting to get my music off the ground. So I was e-mailing every small label I could with nothing really to show them, just trying to get in contact. I was also friends with Jame at the time who released Town under the name Kitchen on Drunk With Love in January and I was a huge fan of their music. Jake e-mailed me back a couple days after I first e-mailed them and said they said really enjoyed my sound and we have just been talking back and forth ever since. FLR: Use three adjectives, one verb, and two nouns to describe your new album I Drove Your Car In A Dream Last Night. D: I would have to say layered, honest, and hitting. FLR: What's your favorite song on the album and why? D: Hmm... I would have to say "Strange." It was one of the first ones on the album I finished and it was one of the first songs I felt sounded exactly or almost exactly how it sounded in my head, which was a really cool thing to witness. I also just feel like it has a lot of energy and is just a fun song to listen to. FLR: Do you enjoy playing live? D: Playing live, especially full band, is probably one of my favorite things to do ever. Feeding off the energy of my bandmates is such a visceral experience to me. I really love it. I used to only play solo, just because it was so hard for me to find people in the area, especially drummers. Benton Harbor really isn't aware of the DIY scene. I remember I played an open mic once and played some ambient guitar loops and noise to end a song and this middle-aged lady compared me to Ed Sheeran.

FLR: Do you like to swim? D: I guess as much as the next person. I live really close to the beach so I go a lot. I am not a fan of sand. FLR: Have you ever had a celebrity encounter? D: Like has anyone ever recognized me from my music? Kinda? I was at a house show in Kalamazoo once and a kid knew my music from my YouTube covers of Alex G and Joy Again and stuff that got somewhat popular. That also happened when I went to a Joy Again concert by Sachi and Arthur who play in the band. I don't think anyone has recognized me as Harvey Waters or Garbage Water, or at least never approached me. FLR: What's one question you've never been asked in an interview that you would love to be asked someday? D: My top five favorite fonts. FLR: And finally, what does 2018 look like for Harvey Waters? D: Just trying to book as many shows as possible. Hopefully moving out to Grand Rapids in July and just continuing to write and record music. Harvey Waters on Facebook Harvey Waters on Twitter