Kiara Zanon, Former Jr. Amerks Forward and NCAA Champion, Selected by Toronto in 2025 PWHL Draft

Rochester, NY – June 24, 2025 — Another standout from the Rochester Jr. Americans (formerly the Monarchs) made headlines Tuesday night as Kiara Zanon was selected 16th overall (Round 2) by Toronto in the 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft.

Zanon, a highly skilled forward, recently concluded a remarkable NCAA career at Ohio State University, where she helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2024 NCAA National Championship. This season, she posted 32 points in 40 games, and while her scoring dipped slightly, her impact remained dominant in advanced statistical categories. Zanon ranked among the NCAA leaders in expected goals, Corsi, Fenwick, and pre-shot passing metrics, demonstrating her elite puck possession, zone entry control, and playmaking instincts.

Before transferring to Ohio State, Zanon captained Penn State, where she was named NCAA Rookie of the Year, earned Second Team All-American honors, and became a two-time Patty Kazmaier Award finalist. Over five collegiate seasons, she amassed 191 points in 171 games, consistently producing at well over a point-per-game pace.

Zanon has also represented Team USA on the international stage, earning two medals at the IIHF U-18 Women’s World Championships and suiting up this season for the USA National Development Team.

A proud Rochester native and former teammate of No. 2 overall pick Haley Winn, Zanon’s roots with the Jr. Amerks run deep.

“Kiara’s hockey sense and competitive drive have always set her apart,” said a representative from the Jr. Amerks organization. “She’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around her, and seeing her continue her career at the professional level with Toronto is a tremendous point of pride for our program.”

With her selection by Toronto, Zanon continues to blaze a trail for the next generation of Rochester hockey players and adds another chapter to the Jr. Amerks’ tradition of developing top-tier talent.