BROOKLYN, NY, July 21, 2017 – After signing a complete line of high-scoring forwards from Adrian University last week, the defending Isobel Cup champion Buffalo Beauts have added four more new players to their roster: forward Jessica Sibley (Syracuse), defenders Kelly Seward (Penn State) and Colleen Murphy (Northeastern), and goaltender Julia DiTondo (Mercyhurst).
Sibley, a 5-5 forward from Luseland, Saskatchewan, had 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points in 140 games in her time at Syracuse between 2013-2017. She was one of the team’s captains in her senior year.
“I’m very eager to get started in the NWHL,” said Sibley. “The Beauts’ coaching staff has been wonderful to work with. They were quick to help me with living accommodations and ensured I had everything I needed to make the move out East. I want to do everything I can to help my team defend the Isobel Cup.”
Sibley studied Communications at Syracuse, but has decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Prior to attending Syracuse, Sibley played for the Warner Hockey School and also competed for Team Saskatchewan at the U-18 Canadian National Championship.
“Luseland is a very small, rural Saskatchewan town of fewer than 600 people,” Sibley noted. “I hope to act as an inspiration to younger girls who are from small towns or rural areas and show them that they are capable of succeeding in sport.”
Seward is a local product for the Beauts, having been raised in nearby Williamsville. The 5-9 defender played four seasons at Penn State, graduating in 2017, and had 5 goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 142 games. In her senior year, she was 1-13-14 in 35 games. She developed her game at the Nichols School and in the Buffalo Bisons program.
Murphy, a 5-4 defender from Cary, N.C., played four seasons at Northeastern, notching 12 goals and 38 assists for 50 points in 138 games. Before Northeastern, she played at the North American Hockey Academy.
“We believe that Seward and Murphy can be steadying influences on our blue line,” said Buffalo Co-Coach Ric Seiling.
DiTondo is another local talent, raised in Kenmore, NY. At Mercyhurst, she posted a 5-2-0 record with a 1.33 goals-against average and .937 save percentage.
