New York, NY — Milica McMillen has signed a contract with the New York Riveters for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Chad Wiseman announced. McMillen and the Riveters agreed to terms on a one-year, $17,000 contract.
The Connecticut Whale, who drafted McMillen 10th overall in the 2015 NWHL Draft, will receive $2,000 toward their salary cap from the Riveters in accordance with the draft tax bylaws.
“It was such an honor to be drafted last year, especially knowing that only about 20 college juniors from the whole country were drafted,” said McMillen. “And knowing that I was part of the historical first NWHL Draft is something that I can one day tell my kids.”
In her collegiate career, McMillen played in 149 games with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, scoring 120 points (44g, 76a) from the blue line. She helped the team to two NCAA National Championships in 2013 and 2016. McMillen played with USA Hockey in the 2011 IIHF U-18 World Championship, 2012 Four Nations Cup tournament, and the 2014 U-22 Series.
“I decided to join the NWHL because it’s quite the opportunity to be a part of a newer league that hopefully gets bigger through the years,” McMillen continued. “When I first started playing, there weren’t any options to go pro in women’s hockey, so to be able to compete beyond college is like a dream come true. I think this league is going to help grow the sport because now many young girls can grow up watching pro women’s hockey and aspire to make it there themselves.”
Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasted until April 30. Free agency began 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.
