According to NHLPA.com’s Chris Lomon, new Red Wings forward J.T. Compher went to Toronto recently to support his sister, Jesse, as she was drafted by the PHWL:
It has been just over 10 years since J.T. Compher was selected 35th overall at the 2013 NHL Draft in New Jersey.
Compher once again found himself sitting in the stands at another draft on Monday this time in Toronto. The Detroit Red Wings forward was eagerly anticipating hearing the name of his sister, fellow forward Jesse Compher, being called at the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft.
It was an experience the Compher family, parents Bob and Valerie, their children, Jesse, J.T. and Morgan, will always remember. It was also a monumental day for women’s hockey that had been years in the making.
Played out in front of a packed house at CBC headquarters, 90 of the top players from across the world in the women’s game were drafted into the PWHL the newly formed six-team league, which will see its first on-ice action in January. Luminaries included board member and tennis legend, Billie Jean King, along with other high-profile sports figures.
It was Minnesota native Taylor Heise who was the first player off the board, the U.S. Women’s National Team member selected by her home state squad. Twenty-five picks later, former Boston University and University of Wisconsin standout, Jesse Compher, was selected 26th overall by Toronto.
“That day will be one for the history books, which was incredible to be part of,” said Jesse, who captained BU in her senior year. “I was lucky to be able to be there and it was awesome to have my family with me. They have supported me throughout my career, and it was amazing to have them there with me. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.”
