Buffalo Signs Goaltender Mariah Fujimagari
Goaltender Mariah Fujimagari, an Ontario native who played four years at the University of Maine before one season of pro in Europe and one with the now-defunct CWHL, has signed her first NWHL contract with the Buffalo Beauts.
“My decision to play for the Buffalo Beauts, one of the NWHL founding teams, means a great deal to me,” said Fujimagari. “It has been a reassuring process with the exceptional management, led by GM Mandy Cronin. The conversations surrounding team culture and aspirations for the organization align with my vision, goals and core values of relentlessness, hard work, and respect.”
Fujimagari played four seasons with the Black Bears, appearing in 34 games and being named a captain in her senior year. Her first year of pro was in Slovakia in 2017-18 as the starting goaltender
for HC SKP Bratislava. Last season, with the Worcester Blades of the CWHL, she played in 16 games and saw over 500 shots.
“We are excited to have Mariah join the Beauts family next season,” said Cronin. “She is a workhorse on and off the ice, and her passion for life and hockey is infectious. The drive, dedication and experience that Mariah brings is indicative of the culture we are building in Buffalo.”
Besides playing professional hockey, Fujimagari has a career as a nutritionist and life coach.
“Buffalo is a wonderful city and community with passionate hockey fans. They deserve a championship team and I am looking forward to contributing in the pursuit of the Isobel Cup for Buffalo,” said Fujimagari. “I hope to create meaningful connections within the community and promote hockey for everyone.”
About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)
Established in 2015, the NWHL became the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players and share in revenue from select apparel sales. The mission of the league is to promote and develop women’s hockey, increase participation and interest in the sport at all levels, and shine a light on the role models that fill the rosters of all of its clubs. The league is made up of the Boston Pride (2016 Isobel Cup champions), Buffalo Beauts (2017 champions), Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters (2018 champions), and Minnesota Whitecaps (2019 champions). For more information, please visit NWHL.zone and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @NWHL.
