Buffalo, NY — Hailey Browne and Devon Skeats have signed contracts with the Buffalo Beauts for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Ric Seiling announced Tuesday. Skeats and Browne both agreed to terms with the Beauts on one-year, $14,000 contracts.
“Skeats and Browne were two-thirds of a line that I can’t imagine anyone wanting to play against,” said Seiling. “Too many times, their drive and desire made things happen for the Beauts. We look forward to that helping us complete our unfinished business this season.”
Skeats scored 14 points (9g, 5a) in 15 games with the Beauts in the regular season, and added another 4 points (2g, 2a) in their 5 playoff games. She was the fourth-highest scorer on the team in 2015-16. Browne collected 12 points (5g, 7a) in 18 regular season games, and also scored 4 more points (2g, 2a) in the playoffs. Skeats and Browne tied for the most penalty minutes (26) on the Beauts last season.
“I am honored to be asked back to play another year in the NWHL, especially as a Buffalo Beaut,” said Skeats. “Last year was so much fun; Buffalo is such a great city to play professional hockey in and I can’t wait to get back and claim the Isobel Cup in the 2016-2017 season!”
Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasted until April 30. Free agency began May 1 and lasts until July 31. The 2016 NWHL Draft is June 18.
About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)
The NWHL is the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players. The inaugural season began October 11, 2015 with the Founding Four: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. The Boston Pride became the first team in NWHL history to raise the Isobel Cup on March 12, 2016.
