The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) added 72 new players at its 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck, which took place at the Fox Theatre in Detroit last week. The PWHL expands to 12 teams (six in the U.S. and six in Canada) for its fourth season beginning later this year.
Olympic gold medalist Laila Edwards was the fourth overall pick, chosen by PWHL San Jose, the highest pick for a Black player in the league’s history. The New York Sirens kept the historic night going, selecting Katelyn Roberts, a forward from Penn State University, in the fourth round.
“It’s been an overwhelming amount of love sent my way,” said Roberts. “I’m so grateful for the PWHL putting in the work to make this happen. It’s so inspiring to see how much the game has grown over the past few years. I’m excited to see what the next few years bring.”
Roberts’ family moved from Texas to Minnesota when she was five, soon discovering skating and ice hockey on a pond near her home. After beginning in figure skating, she transitioned into hockey. Well aware that there are very few Black women in ice hockey, Roberts has been a role model.
“It definitely puts my game and all that I do into perspective,” said Roberts. “Growing up, I’ve had the privilege of just being known as a hockey player. I thank my teammates, I’ve never really felt different. … As I got into bigger roles playing at Penn State, it became known that I was a Black hockey player and that was something special. I realized the impact that I could have on young girls, specifically Black girls or boys interested in playing hockey. It put into perspective the actual impact I could have.”
This summer, she’ll play in Da Beauty League’s women’s division in Minnesota. Leading up to training camp in November, Roberts will focus on speed work. She also looks forward to meeting other PWHL incoming rookies.
The PWHL has embraced Black History Month and community outreach efforts. Roberts is especially happy coming to New York, which has urban hockey leagues. Her goal is to engage in the community. “Within New York, I’m sure there are a lot of opportunities to bring minority communities to the games,” Roberts said. “I’m very excited to draw a new crowd and get people invested in women’s hockey.”
