The 22-Year-Old Defender Detroit Just Drafted Is Already Planning Her Mom's Practice Schedule

Okay, so the PWHL Draft just went down, and while we're always scouting for Seattle talent, you gotta hand it to Detroit for making a seriously smart, local pick. They just snagged Port Huron native Casey Borgiel, a defender out of Colgate, as the No. 22 overall pick. And lemme tell you, this 22-year-old is already buzzing with the kind of hometown pride we know all too well, talking about her mom showing up for practice. You can't beat that kind of immediate connection to the Motor City crowd as they gear up for their inaugural season.

A Blue Liner Ready to Brawl

This isn't just some feel-good story about a local kid. Borgiel is a legitimate talent. She spent two seasons grinding it out with Colgate, capping it off last season with serious numbers: four goals and 17 assists in 36 games. That's 21 points, folks, and for a defender, that's not too shabby. Yeah, her plus/minus was a minus-5, but she put up a staggering 38 blocked shots in those same 36 games. That's practically a shot blocked every game! You can tell she's tough, willing to put her body on the line. She played her first two seasons at Holy Cross. This 5-foot-7 defender isn't afraid to get in front of the puck, and that's the grit you need when building a team. She even played soccer at Port Huron Northern. Talk about an all-around athlete.

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Detroit's Newest Local Legend

The best part? Borgiel isn't just familiar with the area, she knows it. Asked about her route to Little Caesars Arena, where PWHL Detroit will play, she didn't miss a beat. "I mean, I've gotten to Red Wings games in Little Caesars Arena," she said on the PWHL YouTube channel. "I used to play hockey there in the practice facility, so this is unbelievable. It was about an hour and five minute drive. I mean, people in Detroit drive pretty fast, so... It's the Motor City." That's the confidence and local swagger you want. Introduced by the Detroit City FC women's soccer team, she's clearly connected. Her reaction to staying home? Pure, unadulterated joy. "I mean, I'm gonna be honest, this is unbelievable. I'm in shock right now, so, sorry if I say anything unbelievable, but, um, this is, this is amazing." You can feel that emotion. Her mom was "hoping" she'd stay close. Borgiel even joked, "It's an hour down the road. She’ll probably show up to my practices every morning." Detroit also grabbed goalie Andrea Brändli with their top pick, but Borgiel's story is pure gold.

So, what does this mean for the PWHL and for Detroit? They've not only drafted a talented 22-year-old defender, but they've brought home a player who genuinely gets what it means to play for her city. With that kind of passion, and a mom ready to become a regular fixture at practice, you know Casey Borgiel is going to give it her all in Detroit's inaugural season. Keep an eye on her as the PWHL kicks off later this winter. This kid's got the heart and the hustle.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.