Orangeville’s Tessa Janecke Takes Next Big Step in Hockey Career

Tessa Janecke from Orangeville, Illinois became a household name for many while playing for Team USA Women's Hockey during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, but this week her hockey career took a giant step forward.

The Pride of Orangeville, Illinois

As someone who lives in Pecatonica and whose kids play sports against Orangeville, I've been proudly following Tessa Janecke's hockey journey ever since she earned a spot on Team USA for the Winter Olympics.

Tessa Janecke not only helped Team USA win gold, but she's also been called one of the greatest players in Penn State women's hockey history.

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Watching a local athlete rise to the highest levels of international and college competition was awesome, but on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Tessa added another major accomplishment to her already impressive resume: playing for the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Tessa Janecke was selected No. 3 overall in the 2026 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Draft, making her one of the top players chosen in the entire draft class. Tessa was selected by PWHL Las Vegas, one of the league's newest expansion franchises, and will have the chance to help build a winning team from the ground up.

A PWHL Draft party was held at Gobbie's Sports Pub and Eatery in Galena on Wednesday, and I love this video of the crowd's reaction when Tessa's name was announced:

For girls throughout Northern Illinois who dream of playing sports at the highest level, Tessa Janecke continues to prove that those dreams are absolutely possible.

Congratulations, and we can't wait to see you dominate in Las Vegas, Tessa!

One more thing...look at the awesome custom suit jacket Tessa wore to the PWHL Draft on Wednesday night... lookin' good, girl!