Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Two newly-graduated MacEwan Griffins women's hockey players have declared for the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL's) annual draft.
Jesse Jack and Mila Verbicky have joined a player pool of 167 eligible players for the June 10 draft, where the six PWHL teams will choose 42 players over seven rounds.
They're among 34 U SPORTS players who've entered the draft after completing their post-secondary careers.
"It's an exciting opportunity for all female hockey players at the post-secondary level to have something like that to work towards," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming. "Instead of just being done when they complete their education at the institution they're at, they can declare for the draft with a goal of playing pro hockey."
Jack led the Griffins in scoring in 2023-24 after transferring from Olds College, setting new program records for the most goals (7) and points (13) by a Griffins player in a Canada West season.
The centre brings a strong power forward game, using her size to crash the net, complementing a solid shot and her acumen in the faceoff dot, but brings just as much off the ice, too.
With a strong net-front presence, Jesse Jack set program records for goals and points with the Griffins last season (Rebecca Chelmick photo).
"I think both of them are great humans and are extremely hard-working, committed players who would be a great addition to any team they join," said Leeming. "They both take the strength and conditioning side very seriously.
"The mental training is something that Jesse has gotten into quite a bit over the last few years, and I think it benefits her growth and her development as a person outside of hockey, too. I think that's something that would help give her success at the next level."
Verbicky wrapped up her MacEwan Griffins career in 2024, finishing with five goals and nine points in 62 regular season games. The strong two-way forward also played a season for the University of Lethbridge, prior to coming to MacEwan out of Delta Hockey Academy.
"I think she just plays a sound 200-foot game," said Leeming. "She skates well, she works hard, she's competitive, she's also a great teammate.
"Both of them are great humans who would be a good addition to any team because of what they bring on and off the ice."
The PWHL draft will take place in conjunction with the league's awards ceremony in St. Paul, Minn. on June 10-11.
Mila Verbicky plays a strong 200-foot game, which includes being an asset in the face-off circle (Rebecca Chelmick photo).
