The Minnesota Whitecaps selected a pair of Minnesota-born forwards, the Gophers' Kelly Pannek and Wisconsin's Sophia Shaver, in the first two rounds of the National Women's Hockey League draft on Wednesday.
Pannek, of Plymouth, was the fourth overall pick. A member of the U.S. team that won the Olympic gold medal in February, she has 11 goals and eight assists in 18 games this season.
Shaver, of Wayzata, was the ninth overall pick; the Badgers co-captain recorded four goals and five assists in 20 games.
The NWHL draft, restricted to players in their final season of college eligibility, ends Thursday with the final three rounds. The selection order for the league's five teams is determined by their winning percentage this season, with the lowest team choosing first.
Wisconsin forward Annie Pankowski was taken first overall by the Metropolitan Riveters.
RACHEL BLOUNT
