New York, NY – August 7, 2015: The NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League) announced today the signing of forwards Shelby Bram (Mercyhurst University) and Tatiana Rafter (University of British Columbia) to the Buffalo Beauts.
Shelby Bram grew up in St. Anne, Manitoba and played hockey at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania from 2011-2015. In her four years with the Lakers, Bram collected 109 points (31g, 78a) and appeared in 141 games. In 2014, she was named College Hockey America Best Defensive Forward and to the College Hockey America All-Tournament Team. She was also named to the All-CHA First Team in 2013. Bram previously played for Canada in the 2011 U-18 IIHF World Championships.
“Being able to play in the first paid professional women’s league is incredible,” Bram said. “On top of that, getting to play in one of the greatest hockey towns in the nation is truly a blessing. The Beauts are a perfect fit, I will represent them with nothing but professionalism, both on and off the ice.”
Tatiana Rafter played forward for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds from 2010-2015. In the 2014 season, Rafter led Canada West with 38 points (20g, 18a) and became the first player in UBC history to be named Canada West Player of the Year. In the same season, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native was named to the Canada West All-Star First Team and CIS All-Canadian First Team. During the 2013 Winter Universiade in Trentino, Italy, Rafter recorded 15 points in seven games to help Canada win the gold medal. She finished the 2013 season leading UBC with 23 points (13g, 10a).
“I am excited to play for the Beauts because every time I lace up my skates I will be a part of history,” Rafter said. “This organization’s story is unwritten and it is a special thing to help create its beginning.”
You can follow Shelby Bram (@SBram13), Tatiana Rafter (@tatianarafter) on Twitter.
