MD Native Picked 5th Overall In 2026 PWHL Draft

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lacey Eden, an Annapolis native who has four NCAA hockey championships under her belt, was selected fifth overall Wednesday in the Professional Women's Hockey League draft.

Eden played forward for the University of Wisconsin and will now go to join the Las Vegas PWHL team. Watch video from the announcement here.

A league profile describes Eden as "a versatile forward who can be used in matchup situations, contribute on the penalty kill, and support play in all three zones."

"Her skating remains a major asset, and her puck pursuit, work rate, and detail away from the puck give her a strong foundation for the professional game," it adds.

In addition to representing Wisconsin, the 24-year-old player also competed for the U.S. in the IIHF Women's World Championship.

Eden's arrival in Las Vegas means she'll fall under the coaching of fellow Maryland native Kim Weiss, who hails from Montgomery County's Potomac area.

Weiss was announced as the new head coach of the Las Vegas team on Monday. Prior to her shift to coaching, Weiss had a decorated career at Trinity College.