BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts announced today that veteran blueliner and 2010 Olympic silver medalist Lisa Chesson returns to the team for her fifth season. The 34-year-old is the team’s elder stateswoman, having played her first season for Buffalo in 2016-17. With the exception of a hiatus in 2019-20, Chesson has remained with the Beauts ever since and served as an alternate captain for the squad in 2020-21.
“I have always enjoyed my time in Buffalo,” said Chesson. “From our fans to working with our amazing staff, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind about returning for a fifth season in Buffalo.”
Chesson was a member of the Beauts’ 2016-17 Isobel Cup winning team and helped forge a formidable blue line. In 40 career NWHL regular season games, she has scored three goals, 15 assists, and 18 points and is plus-9. Chesson’s overall plus-15 in 2018-19 led all Beauts defenders. She was selected to play in the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game in Minnesota and the 2019 event in Nashville. During the abbreviated 2020-21 season in Lake Placid, Chesson scored the game-winning goal in the Beauts’ 2-1 victory over the Boston Pride on Jan. 30.
“Cheese’s work ethic and commitment to the game are what make her a truly unique player,” said Beauts head coach Rhea Coad. “We are very excited to have her high level of skill and maturity back on our blue line.”
With the United States Women’s National Team, Chesson helped her country win gold medals at the World Championship in 2009 and 2013, and silver in 2012. As a member of Team USA when they earned the silver medal at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, she had 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 games. Chesson has also competed in five Four Nations Cups. In a celebrated collegiate career at Ohio State, she was 27-62-89 for scoring in 145 games.
Chesson has bright hopes for the Beauts’ future, particularly for the 2021-22 NWHL season.
“We have so much potential,” Chesson said. “I think this year we need to focus on creating more offense. We have an amazing core group in goal, starting with CJ (Carly Jackson). If we can continue to build from the net out, we will be in great shape to win the Isobel Cup this year.”
