Heading into the CWHL’s 10th season, the league’s borders are expanding. The 2016 Clarkson Cup victory by the Calgary Inferno saw the first win by a Japanese player as Kanae Aoki and Aina Takeuchi helped capture the western team’s first championship. The growth of the women’s game internationally is further reflected in the increasing number of players from outside North America who have chosen the CWHL and registered for the 2016 CWHL Player Draft. This year’s Draft prospects come from as far afield as Japan and Russia and developing hockey nations like France and Mexico.

Marion Allemoz (France)

A long-term player in the CIS with the Universite de Montreal’s Montreal Carabins, Allemoz also played for the French National Women’s Team, helping them win a bronze medal in the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championships Division I tournament. In the 2015-16 season with the Carabins, Allemoz, as the captain, helped lead the team to a gold medal victory against the UBC Thunderbirds. One of two Universite de Montreal players eligible for the 2016 Draft, Allemoz’ leadership skills and drive will be a strong asset to any team.

Nachi Fujimoto (Japan)

A long-term member of the Japanese Women’s National Program, Fujimoto is a right-shooting defenceman from Sapporo International University. In 2008-09, Fujimoto was part of the gold-medal winning team in the IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship Division I. In the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, Fujimoto also played for Team Japan in their Universiade series, wearing the C in the 2013-14 season, and the A in the 2014-15 season. The only player out of Sapporo International University and one of three from Japan, Fujimoto brings a passion and drive to the blue line that can only help any team that drafts her.

Iya Gavrilova (Russia)

A member of the Russian Women’s National program, Gavrilova, a forward for the Calgary Dinos of the CIS won a bronze medal at both the 2013 and 2016 Women’s World Championships, and a gold medal at the 2015 Winter Universiade. Gavrilova also competed in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics. The only University of Calgary player eligible for the 2016 Draft, Gavrilova’s experience on the world stage and left-handed shot will be an ideal addition to any team.

Sato Kikuchi (Japan)

A defenceman out of Nippon Sports Science University, Kikuchi originally flew to New York to try out for the NWHL and the New York Riveters. Her strong defensive game and desire to play the North American game fuelled her decision to try out for the CWHL 2016 Draft. The only player out of Nippon Sports Science University and one of three from Japan, Kikuchi brings a passion and drive to the blue line that can only help any team that drafts her.

Rina Takeda (Japan)

A member of the Japanese Women’s National Program, Takeda is a left-shooting defenceman from Obihiro, Japan. Takeda was part of Team Japan during the 2015 Women’s World Championships when Japan finished seventh, and also plays for J-League team Mikage Gretz. One of three members of Team Japan to be eligible for the 2016 Draft, Takeda’s speed and drive are assets to any team’s blue line.

Claudia Tellez (Mexico)

A member of the Mexican Women’s National Program, Tellez is the first Mexican national to ever register for the CWHL Draft. In 2014, Tellez was part of the team that beat Hong Kong 1-0 in the final of the IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group B Qualification tournament, a game that landed the Mexican Women’s Team on the IIHF world stage. The first and only Mexican national eligible for the 2016 Draft, Tellez’s drive and dedication to the sport of hockey will make her an unbeatable addition to any team.