New York, NY – July 17, 2015: The NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League) announced today the signing of two players to the Connecticut Whale, forward Micaela Long (University of New Hampshire) and goaltender Nicole Stock (Brown).
Micaela Long grew up in South Boston, Massachusetts and played forward for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats. While at UNH, Long recorded 75 points (35g, 40a), making her one of four Wildcats to attain double digit goals and assists. In her final season,
Long tied for third on her team in goals (13) and shooting percentage (.143). She was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team and Hockey East All-Tournament Team in 2009.
“I am very excited about playing women’s professional hockey; I have been waiting for this day since I laced up my skates for the first time,” said Long. “After college, I never thought there would be an opportunity for me to play professional hockey, so I chose a career in teaching. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the inaugural season and the growth of high caliber women’s hockey in the United States.”
Nicole Stock, a goaltender for Brown University from 2004-2008, competed in all but 13 minutes of her senior season with the Bears. In her senior season, Stock posted a career high 66 saves against Mercyhurst.
As a rookie, Stock led her team with 1.60 goals against average and .938 save percentage, and recorded her first career shutout against Colgate. She was named to the All-Ivy Second Team, All-ECAC Academic Team, and received Second Team All- ECAC honors in her senior year.
“I am excited to be able to play with, and against, some of the best players in the world,” said Stock. “I think as more people see games, they will want to keep coming back to see the teams play. This is a great opportunity to see women’s hockey continue to grow.”
Follow Micaela (@mctweet16) Long on Twitter.