Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club is proud to celebrate another milestone in the program's storied history, as three former players were selected in the 2026 PWHL Draft, held close to home at Detroit's Fox Theatre on June 17.
Former Little Caesars standouts Kirsten Simms (1st Round, Toronto), Casey Borgiel (2nd Round, Detroit), and Elyssa Biederman (3rd Round, Hamilton) each heard their names called during the draft, continuing the club's tradition of developing elite athletes who advance to the highest levels of the game.
Leading the group was Kirsten Simms, a native of Plymouth, Michigan, who was selected in the first round by the Toronto Sceptres. Simms enters the professional ranks following an exceptional collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, where she helped lead the Badgers to multiple national championships. A member of Team USA's gold medal-winning roster at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Simms was widely regarded as one of the premier prospects available in this year's draft class.
Joining Simms in the draft class was Casey Borgiel of Port Huron, Michigan. Borgiel won't have to travel far, as she was selected in the second round by Detroit's PWHL franchise. Borgiel developed into one of the nation's top collegiate forwards during her career and now takes the next step in her hockey journey as a professional. Her selection reflects years of hard work, dedication, and development both on and off the ice.
Rounding out the trio was Elyssa Biederman, a native of Franklin, Michigan, whose dynamic playmaking ability earned her an opportunity at the professional level. Biederman's selection by Hamilton is another testament to the strength of girls hockey in Michigan and the development pathway provided through Little Caesars AAA.
The selection of three Little Caesars alumni in a single PWHL Draft serves as a powerful reminder of the impact women's hockey continues to make within our organization. Their accomplishments inspire the next generation of players currently wearing the Little Caesars crest and demonstrate what is possible through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to Kirsten, Casey, and Elyssa on this incredible achievement. The entire Little Caesars AAA family looks forward to following their professional careers and cheering them on at the next level!