Two Western New Yorkers, Victoria Mariano and Lara Beecher, were drafted by the Professional Women's Hockey League. Mariano, a Nichols alumna, and Beecher, a Nardin alumna, were among 72 players drafted during the 2026 PWHL Draft at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
The draft is a significant milestone for women's hockey in the region, and highlights the growing talent and interest in the sport.
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The Professional Women's Hockey League is a premier professional women's hockey league, and the draft provides an opportunity for talented players like Mariano and Beecher to compete at the highest level. The league has a strong following in the Buffalo area, and the draft has generated significant excitement and interest among local hockey fans.
The impact of the draft will be felt by Buffalo hockey fans, particularly those who follow the Buffalo Beauts. The draft may also have implications for the growth and development of women's hockey in the region, as it provides a platform for talented players to compete and develop their skills.
The Buffalo area has a rich hockey tradition, and the draft is a significant milestone for the sport in the region. The KeyBank Center has hosted numerous hockey games and events, and the draft has generated significant interest and excitement among local hockey fans.
Looking ahead, the Professional Women's Hockey League will likely continue to grow and develop, with the draft providing a key opportunity for talented players to compete and develop their skills. The Buffalo area will likely play a significant role in the league's growth and development, and fans can expect to see increased interest and investment in women's hockey in the region.