From OHA to the PWHL: Nina Jobst-Smith’s Journey to the Pros
Okanagan Hockey Academy is proud to celebrate the incredible journey of alumna Nina Jobst-Smith, who was recently selected by PWHL Vancouver in the 3rd Round (19th overall) of the 2025 PWHL Draft.
A dual citizen of Germany and Canada, Nina was born in North Vancouver on August 30, 2001, and made a name for herself early on as a steady, right-shot defender with a high hockey IQ and elite skating ability. Her path to the pros has taken her across continents, beginning in BC’s minor hockey system with the Greater Vancouver Comets, moving to Germany to skate with ECDC Memmingen, and then returning to Canada for the 2020–21 season with Okanagan Hockey Academy’s U18 Female Prep team.
While at OHA, Nina stood out for her poise on the ice and leadership off it—attributes that helped propel her to a successful NCAA career with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Over five seasons, she developed into one of the top defenders in the NCAA, wearing the “A” in 2023–24 and being named team captain in 2024–25. Her collegiate accolades include being named to the WCHA Third All-Star Team (2023–24) and Second All-Star Team (2024–25).
Internationally, Nina has been a mainstay on the German Women’s National Team, competing in multiple IIHF World Championships and Olympic Qualification Tournaments.
In her final NCAA season, Nina posted 3 goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 37 games, earning her spot among the top prospects in the women’s pro ranks. Now, at age 23, she takes the next step in her career with PWHL Vancouver.
Congratulations, Nina! Your OHA family is proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to cheer you on at the next level.
