BUFFALO, N.Y. — The NWHL announced that Buffalo Beauts forward Maddie Elia has been named the NWHL’s Most Valuable Player for the 2018-19 season. The award was voted on by 20 media members and broadcasters in cooperation with the Women’s Hockey Media Association.
Elia led all NWHL players with 12 goals this season and tied for second in the league with 19 points in 16 games. She also recorded four power-play points (2+2), ranked second with 181 faceoff wins and finished in a tie for third place with 52 shots on goal. During the season, Elia was named the league’s Player of the Week after scoring twice and adding two primary assists in a 4-0 win vs. Minnesota on Dec. 30.
During her rookie campaign last season, Elia tied for the Beauts’ team lead with 14 points (5+9) in 14 games and added one assist in two playoff contests. Her nine assists tied for second on the team.
Drafted by Buffalo with the 18th overall selection in the 2016 NWHL Draft, Elia attended Boston University (Hockey East), where she recorded 112 points (47+65) in 145 career games. The Lewiston, New York native and Nichols School graduate was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team in 2013-14 after finishing second among Hockey East freshmen with 28 points (13+15) in 38 games.
(Photo by Janet Schultz)
