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DETROIT ~ Jullia Gross-Turkey’s path to professional hockey has been anything but traditional, but it has put her in position for one of the biggest moments of her career. The Michigan State women’s club hockey goalie is among players with Michigan ties hoping to be selected in the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Her inclusion stands out in a field largely made up of NCAA and international players, highlighting a less conventional route to the professional level.
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(CONTINUED) Gross-Turkey began her collegiate career at Indiana Tech before transferring to Michigan State, where she found consistency in net during the 2025-26 season. She posted a 7-3 record with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage, numbers that helped elevate both her profile and her team’s competitiveness. While club programs often receive less attention than NCAA teams, her performance demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level.
Her candidacy also reflects the continued growth of women’s hockey, particularly as the PWHL expands and increases opportunities for players from a wider range of backgrounds. With a deep draft pool that includes top collegiate players and international talent, Gross-Turkey faces long odds but remains part of a broader shift in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, her presence in the draft conversation underscores the evolving pathways available in women’s hockey.
