BUFFALO – The leading scorer of the 2021-22 Buffalo Beauts will return to the team for a third straight season. Autumn MacDougall (5-9-14) has signed a 1-year contract to rejoin the club for the upcoming 2022- 23 Premier Hockey Federation season. She was drafted by the Beauts in 2020 as the 14th overall selection, and she has consistently been one of the team’s best scorers ever since.
“I have high expectations of myself for my third season as a Beaut,” said MacDougall. “I believe I can really elevate my game to the next level this year, especially with the players and staff pushing me to get there. I’m excited to show that I’m capable of doing that. For the team, we have even higher expectations. We all know we have unfinished business to take care of, and we’re not satisfied at all with being at the bottom of the standings.”
MacDougall’s nine assists and 14 points in 20 games were tops for Beauts players in both offensive categories this past season. She rode a 7-game point streak from Jan. 23 through Feb. 26 when she tallied eight total points (3-5-8) through seven consecutive Beauts contests. MacDougall’s plus-5 rating during the regular season tied her for the team lead in plus/minus with Beauts forward Anjelica Diffendal. For her efforts, MacDougall was selected to the 2022 PHF All-Star Showcase by voting from the fans.
“Each season that Auttie has been a part of the PHF she has grown on and off the ice,” said Beauts head coach Rhea Coad. “I am extremely excited to see what she does this year. Auttie’s determination to always improve is highly respected throughout our organization. We are thrilled how Auttie has made Buffalo her home away from home!”
MacDougall’s success this past season stemmed from her solid 2020-21 rookie performance during the pandemic-shortened Lake Placid season. There she led all Beauts players in goals scored with three tallies in six games. MacDougall’s .158 shooting percentage as a rookie was second-best on the team and tops overall among Beauts forwards.
She believes that her third professional season will be the finest one yet for the Beauts.
“I believe we have all the pieces to make a run for the Isobel Cup this season, and preparation for us starts now,” said MacDougall. “Our whole team is buying into the process and staying focused on our end goal, which is winning the Cup. I’m excited for everyone to see what our team can accomplish in Season 8!”
