BROOKLYN, NY – Kelsey Koelzer, the 2016-17 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist who was selected first overall in the 2016 NWHL Draft, is returning to the Riveters to play her first full season in the league. Koelzer signed a contract this morning for the 2017-18 season.
“The Riveters are such a great organization with amazing fans, players and staff, so I’m really excited about spending the entire season with them,” said Koelzer, who turned 22 in June. “I’m also very proud to be part of the NWHL as it continues to grow in so many ways.”
The 5-9 defender from Princeton University joined the NWHL soon after her collegiate career ended last winter and played in one playoff game for the Riveters. Koelzer will be part of a strong defense that includes the previously-signed Courtney Burke, Jenny Ryan, Ashley Johnston and Kiira Dosdall.
“I learned a lot in the brief time I spent with the Riveters last season,” said Koelzer, who developed as a player in the New Jersey Rockets girls’ program. “Having the experience now with the speed of the game will help me when we get back to work come October.”
Koelzer was one of ten finalists in 2016-17 for the prestigious Kazmaier Award, presented by the USA Hockey Foundation to the best player in Division I women’s college hockey. In 128 games over four seasons with Princeton, she had 39 goals and 61 assists for 100 points.
As a senior, Koelzer finished second among all NCAA defenders in points-per-game (.94) and was First Team All-Ivy League. A Psychology major at Princeton, Koelzer says she is currently “searching for employment in a number of fields including – but not limited to – athletics, marketing and advertising.”
