SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR PWHL DRAFT PARTY

The room was electric before the first pick was even announced.

People showed up, grabbed roster sheets, and started talking like old friends—even though they’d just met. That’s one of the many things we love about sports—it brings people together.

When we heard the PWHL Draft was in Ottawa, we floated the idea of a watch party in Vancouver. Interest grew fast. We locked in a space. Sold out. Opened more space. Then sold out again. People clearly want to connect in person—and show up for women’s sports, and the next generation.

So we rolled out a blue carpet. And everyone got the memo—head-to-toe blue as far as you could see.

We made custom Player Cards so people could learn more about who’s on PWHL Vancouver’s roster—and used them to spark connection. That small idea helped turn a room full of new faces into a community.

Young girls made signs. Parents met players. The Vancouver Rise FC team came out and turned it into a women’s pro sports crossover celebration.

When SGN member Shauna Wilton stepped up to the mic in Ottawa and announced Nina Jobst-Smith as a Vancouver pick, the pride in the room was palpable.

After Brittany Gawley asked the crowd, “Who should drop the inaugural puck?” and posting to social, Michael Bublé and Cobie Smulders both jumped into our comments, saying they want in!

When we were about to wrap up the night, GM Cara Gardner Morey gave SHE’S GOT NEXT a shoutout before making her final draft pick. We held our breath… and then our hearts burst open when she chose The University of British Columbia standout Chanreet Bassi to join the PWHL Vancouver.

Chanreet’s coaches, teammates, and best friends were there. It was pure joy– followed by hugs, cheers, and so many happy tears! It was awesome.

This is why we’re building SHE’S GOT NEXT.
To have a community that shows up. That celebrates in the moment. That shares experiences in spaces built for real connection. No uncomfortable dress code. Just people coming together around something they love. And to experience life—and celebrate women succeeding—together.

It’s wild to think: less than a year ago, SHE’S GOT NEXT didn’t even exist. Now we’re bringing hundreds of people together mid-week, celebrating TWO professional women’s teams in Vancouver, and seeing kids, celebs, fans, and new friends join in the excitement. This moment is bigger than any one of us—and it’s only just beginning.

Huge thanks to everyone who made the night happen.
To our partners at Sport Hosting Vancouver, PNE, BSTRO, and founders media. To our sponsor, TRUBAR INC.

And our members who gave their time to keep the night running smoothly —Freddie Bradbury-Crane, Laura Cabott, Giti Sepahi, Christine Witney, Nancy Shields, Brittany Gawley, Michelle Collens. We’re better because of you.

🎟 SHE’S GOT NEXT has a section at the Pacific Coliseum—and it’s going to be awesome building community and a fanbase together, rinkside. If you’d like to join us, DM about becoming a member.