Getting to Know Laila Edwards: A PWHL San Jose Fireside Chat
Edwards and her mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, shared stories about family, friendship, and the road to San Jose.
A Morning With the Franchise's First Star
On Sunday October 11, PWHL San Jose season ticket holders gathered at the Corinthian Grand Ballroom for a morning fireside chat with Laila Edwards and her mother. Edwards, the fourth overall pick in the 2026 PWHL Draft and the first draft selection in franchise history, spent the morning getting to know the fans who will fill SAP Center this winter.
A Rivalry With an Olympic Teammate
Edwards talked about her friendship with Hilary Knight, who she'll now face as a rival after Knight's move to PWHL Detroit. The two were Team USA teammates, and Edwards made clear the friendship isn't going anywhere, even if the competition gets fierce.
Long Drives to Pittsburgh
Edwards and her mother also looked back on her early hockey days in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Edwards played with boys until about age 12, and whenever the schedule allowed, the family made the drive from Cleveland to Pittsburgh so she could play on a girls team. She eventually left home for Selects Academy, where she skated alongside Caroline "K.K." Harvey. Harvey, a fellow Olympic gold medalist, who went No. 1 overall to the Vancouver Goldeneyes, becoming the first defender selected first in a PWHL entry draft. Edwards followed at No. 4.
The stories offered fans a glimpse of the sacrifices behind an Olympic gold medal and three national championships, and why Gray-Edwards remains one of her daughter's biggest supporters.
A Mix-Up on Draft Night
Gray-Edwards drew the biggest laugh of the morning when she recalled draft night, joking that her daughter hugged Harvey's mother before she got to her own. Edwards recounts eventually working her way around the table and hugging everyone there, saying she knew she was surrounded by people who supported her, so she felt she "couldn't go wrong". Gray-Edwards added that the Edwards and Harvey families are incredibly close. That bond adds intrigue to Feb. 13, when Harvey and the Goldeneyes first meet in San Jose.
From the Golden State Valkyries to a Spare Room
During the Q&A, a fan asked Edwards what would make her feel most supported in San Jose. Her answer was simple: show up. She pointed to the large crowds she played in front of at Wisconsin and said she hopes to find that same atmosphere in the Bay Area.
Another fan asked if she planned to attend the Valkyries' upcoming Finals after their series win over the Las Vegas Aces. She said she'd love to be there, but she'll be in Denmark for the IIHF World Championship. Even with her PWHL debut approaching, Edwards is still focused on representing Team USA.
The morning's most heartwarming moment came when a season ticket holder offered Mother Charone Gray-Edwards a place to stay for the home opener, should she need one. It was a small gesture, but it showed how quickly the Bay Area has embraced the Edwards family.
What's Next
PWHL San Jose opens its inaugural regular season on Saturday, Dec. 5, hosting the Minnesota Frost at SAP Center at 4 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on ION and is expected to mark Edwards' professional debut. If this morning was any indication, Edwards won't be short on support when the puck drops at SAP Center.
