Buffalo, NY — Amanda Leveille has signed a contract with the Buffalo Beauts for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Ric Seiling announced Thursday. Leveille and the Beauts agreed to terms on a one-year, $15,000 contract.
Leveille (Minnesota) was drafted twelfth overall in the 2015 NWHL Draft by the Beauts. In net for the Golden Gophers, Leveille played in 116 games, posting a .947 SV% and 1.18 GAA. She completed her collegiate career with a 98-9-5 record and three NCAA National Championship titles, including one this year.
“I grew up in a sports-minded family where hockey was by far our favorite sport,” said Leveille. “I used to watch every Montreal Canadiens game with my dad and envision myself one day playing in the NHL, like every kid does.”
“I want to play in the NWHL because I support girls’ professional hockey, and hope one day young girls will dream of playing in the NWHL,” she continued. “I am grateful for and looking forward to this opportunity with a new organization.”
Leveille is the first pick from the 2015 NWHL Draft to sign a contract for the upcoming season.
Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasts until April 30. Free agency begins May 1 and lasts until July 31. The 2016 NWHL Draft is June 18.
About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)
The NWHL is the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players. The inaugural season began October 11, 2015 with the Founding Four: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. The Boston Pride became the first team in NWHL history to raise the Isobel Cup on March 12, 2016.
