New York, NY – July 25, 2015: The NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League) announced today the signings of defenseman Tara Tomimoto and goaltender Jaimie Leonoff, who both played at Yale University, to the Connecticut Whale.
Tara Tomimoto served as team captain for the Bulldogs in her senior year in 2014, where she played in 105 games and accumulated 46 points (8g, 38a) across her collegiate career. Tomimoto was selected for the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team and was the recipient of the Richard H. Brodhead ’68 Award her junior year for excelling in both academia and sport.
The Calgary, Alberta native also competed in Canada’s 2008 U-18 National Championship.
“The formation of the NWHL is a giant step forward for not only women’s hockey but for gender equality in general, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this historic moment,” said Tara Tomimoto. “I feel honored to be a part of the inaugural season and hope that the league’s formation will help grow the sport for the next generation of players.”
Jaimie Leonoff grew up in Montreal, Quebec and graduated from Yale in 2015. During her time with the Bulldogs she accumulated a .918 save percentage and was selected for the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.
Leonoff also helped Yale reach the ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals in her junior and senior years, climbing into Yale’s record books for her career save percentage, total saves, wins, and goals against average.
“I’m definitely a player who likes to work hard and commit myself to the team, and so I hope that I can contribute and do my part,” said Jaimie Leonoff, “It’s been my dream forever to play professional ice hockey. It’s really such an amazing opportunity and I’m so lucky to get in right now.”
Follow Tara Tomimoto (@taratomimoto) and Jaimie Leonoff (@jaimieleonoff) Twitter.
