The Minnesota Frost has selected defender Sara Swiderski from The Ohio State University in the first round (9th overall) of the 2026 PWHL Draft.
Swiderski played four collegiate seasons split between Clarkson University (2022-24) and Ohio State (2024-26), Her breakout season came in 2025-26, when she tallied career bests in goals (eight), assists (19) and points (27) in 33 games after notching a total of five goals, 26 assists and 31 points in 115 games in her first three seasons combined. Swiderski advanced to the Frozen Four in both of her seasons at Ohio State and once at Clarkson. A 22-year-old native of Langley, BC, Swiderski has competed on the international stage and was a member of Canada’s 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship team.
In all, the Frost selected six in the 2026 PWHL Draft, adding three forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender to the organization’s roster. These selections add depth to the team’s lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season, joining six players already under contract.
“This year’s draft had an incredible pool of players, and we are excited about our picks and what they will bring to our team,” said Frost General Manager Melissa Caruso. “Every selection was made intentionally with this consideration of not only this upcoming season but as we look to build for the future of the organization. We believe all our picks will fill a vital role in the team we are continuing to build upon throughout this offseason.”
Minnesota 2026 PWHL Draft Picks:
Round 1 — 9th Pick Overall, Sara Swiderski, Defender, Ohio State University, Langley, BC
Round 2 — 21st Pick Overall – Viivi Vainikka, Forward, Brynas, Espoo, FIN
Round 3 — 33rd Pick Overall – Maddy Christian, Forward, Penn State, Elk River, MN
Round 4 — 45th Pick Overall – Tova Henderson, Defender, University Of Minnesota-Duluth, Richmond, BC
Round 5 — 57th Pick Overall – Daria Gredzen, Goalie, Birusa Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, RUS
Round 6 — 69th Pick Overall – Lara Beecher, Forward, Clarkson University, Buffalo, NY
(info courtesy of Frost)
