Vancouver Goldeneyes sign top draft pick KK Harvey to three-year deal

The Vancouver Goldeneyes have signed Caroline “KK” Harvey, the first overall pick in the 2026 PWHL Draft, to a three-year contract through the 2028-29 season.

The 23-year-old American defender arrives in Vancouver following an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin and an Olympic gold medal performance that earned her tournament MVP honours earlier this year.

Harvey becomes the second of Vancouver’s five 2026 draft selections to sign a Professional Women’s Hockey League contract, bringing the club’s roster to 19 players ahead of its second season.

KK Harvey brings Olympic success to Vancouver

Harvey enters the PWHL with an international résumé that already includes appearances at two Olympic Winter Games and five IIHF Women’s World Championships.

She helped the United States capture gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, finishing with seven assists and nine points, tied for the tournament lead in scoring alongside Megan Keller.

Her performance earned her tournament MVP, Best Defender and All-Star Team honours.

Four years earlier, Harvey won silver with the Americans at Beijing 2022. She has also collected two gold and three silver medals at the Women’s World Championship, earning Best Defender recognition in 2023 and 2025.

For Vancouver, the signing adds an accomplished young defender with experience competing at the highest international level.

“KK is an incredibly accomplished defender whose achievements speak for themselves, and we are excited for her to bring her trademark speed and dynamic playing style to our roster,” Goldeneyes general manager Alison Izzi said.

A standout collegiate career at Wisconsin

Before turning professional, Harvey established herself as one of the NCAA’s leading defenders during four seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers.

She finished her collegiate career with 201 points, including 54 goals and 147 assists, across 147 games. Wisconsin won three national championships during her time with the program.

Her final season in 2025-26 was particularly impressive.

Harvey recorded 64 points in 33 games, scoring 18 goals and adding 46 assists while helping Wisconsin capture another national title.

She also received the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, presented to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s hockey, along with WCHA Player of the Year and Defender of the Year honours.

The Salem, New Hampshire, native was named a First Team All-American and concluded her college career as a two-time WCHA Defender of the Year.

Harvey said her first visit to Vancouver following the draft reinforced her excitement about joining the organization.

“When I first visited the city after I was drafted, I could feel the excitement for the team and how much they love hockey,” Harvey said.

“I can’t wait to get to work with my teammates, and to play in front of the Goldeneyes fans!”

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Goldeneyes continue building roster for 2026-27

Harvey joins a Vancouver defensive group that includes Ashton Bell, Sophie Jaques and Dominika Lásková.

The Goldeneyes have also signed established forwards such as Sarah Nurse, Hannah Miller and Jenn Gardiner, while Kristen Campbell and Emerance Maschmeyer are among the team’s goaltenders.

Fellow 2026 draft selection Katie DeSa has also signed with Vancouver.

With 19 players now under contract, the Goldeneyes continue assembling their roster for the upcoming campaign, adding one of the most decorated prospects from this year’s draft class.

Harvey’s combination of offensive production, skating ability and international experience gives Vancouver another option on the blue line as the club prepares for its second PWHL season.

The Goldeneyes will open their 2026-27 campaign on Saturday, December 5, against the Seattle Torrent at Pacific Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT.

Fans can follow further roster moves through the PWHL’s official transactions page.