Andrea Brändli Makes History as First Draft Pick of PWHL Detroit

Andrea Brändli's dream of becoming the second woman to play in the NHL took a significant step forward Wednesday night at Fox Theater, where she was selected as the inaugural draft pick of PWHL Detroit. The moment was made even more special as she was chosen by Manon Rheaume, the first woman to compete in the NHL, solidifying Brändli's place in history as the 15th overall pick.

Brändli, who hails from Switzerland, expressed her exhilaration about being drafted by Rheaume, stating, “Oh, it was incredible. You know, I got a little, like, fan girl moment up there. No, it was incredible, standing up there with her, that she’s a trailblazer herself, and being her first pick in the draft is incredible.” Rheaume, who played a groundbreaking role in women's hockey, did not select a goaltender during the expansion draft, indicating that she had her sights set on Brändli for a while.

At 29 years old, Brändli has an impressive track record, having played four years of college hockey at Ohio State and finishing her collegiate career at Boston University with a strong record of 64 wins, 39 losses, and 9 ties. After her graduation, she returned to Europe, competing in Sweden for three seasons before making her move to the PWHL. Her Olympic experience, where she helped Switzerland claim a bronze medal at the Milano-Cortina Games, was pivotal in her decision to join the new league. “It was a huge part,” she noted, adding that the bronze medal was the final motivator that confirmed her move to the PWHL.

The draft night also saw Casey Borgiel from Port Huron selected as the second player for PWHL Detroit, going 22nd overall. Borgiel, who had practiced in the same facility where she hopes to train again, expressed her enthusiasm about joining her hometown team. “I grew up an hour away,” she shared, describing the experience as a “full-circle moment.”

Borgiel has a solid background in hockey, having played five seasons of AAA with Little Caesars and then moving on to college hockey at Holy Cross and Colgate. Known for her physical style of play, she said, “Every shift, I try and go out there, and I love to run my mouth, I love to get under people’s skin.” She is eager to embody the grit that Detroit sports teams are known for and aims to strengthen her game this offseason.

The excitement surrounding the PWHL is palpable, and both Brändli and Borgiel are eager to contribute to the league's inaugural season. Their selections mark a significant milestone for women's hockey and offer inspiration for future generations of female athletes in Michigan and beyond.