Caroline Harvey: The Rising Star Revolutionizing Women’s Hockey
The 2026 Olympic hockey tournament has a new star, and her name is Caroline Harvey. Expected to be the No. 1 pick in this year’s PWHL draft, Harvey is a modern-day defender whose skillset has drawn comparisons to NHL stars like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Veteran hockey analyst Jennifer Botterill, a three-time Olympic gold medalist herself, believes Harvey represents a new echelon of talent in women’s hockey.
A Skillset Unlike Any Other
“She moves so well on the ice and in her offensive contributions,” Botterill remarked during the NBC Olympic broadcast of Team USA’s quarterfinal game against Italy. “The best we’ve ever seen from a player on Team USA that plays defense.” Harvey’s ability to retrieve the puck, accelerate past opponents, and create scoring opportunities is truly remarkable. American forward Matthew Tkachuk went even further, stating, “Caroline Harvey is like Bobby Orr. She was the best player on the ice… by a lot.”
An Impressive Resume at a Young Age
At just 23 years old, Harvey already boasts an impressive resume. She’s participated in five world championships and made her Olympic debut in Beijing at the age of 19. Currently, she leads the 2026 tournament in scoring with nine points in five games – the most ever scored at the Olympics by an American defender. Her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin is equally impressive, leading all defenders in scoring with 54 points in 26 games.
From Adversity to Triumph
Harvey’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she faced limited ice time and a difficult experience after taking a penalty in a crucial game. However, this adversity fueled her determination. A coaching change and the guidance of John Wroblewski proved pivotal. Wroblewski encouraged Harvey to play with confidence and embrace her potential, leading to a breakout performance at the 2022 Women’s World Championships.
A Star is Born
Since Beijing, Harvey has continued to excel, winning two national championships with the Wisconsin Badgers and consistently leading scoring charts. She’s become a leader on and off the ice, even crediting a recent injury with providing a new perspective on the game. Her dedication to improvement is relentless, spending countless hours practicing her skills and conditioning.
The Future of Women’s Hockey
Harvey’s speed, offensive prowess, and defensive responsibility make her a unique and formidable player. “I haven’t seen a player with Caroline’s speed at the blue line,” says Wisconsin associate coach Dan Koch. “Then her ability to add the offensive side too is really unique. It’s hard to compare her to anyone else in the past.” With Team USA just two wins away from Olympic gold, and the anticipation building for the 2026 PWHL draft, Caroline Harvey is poised to become a face of the sport and potentially revolutionize the game for years to come. As Koch puts it, “If she’s able to stay healthy, she’s going to play in multiple Olympics – maybe five. And she’s going to end up being a leader for that program.”
Source: The Athletic
