New York, NY — Michelle Picard has signed a contract with the New York Riveters for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Chad Wiseman announced. Picard and the Riveters agreed to terms on a one-year, $17,500 contract.
“The success Michelle has had as a player speaks for itself,” said Wiseman. “Her attitude, commitment, and respect she has earned from every other coach and player she has worked with is what makes her a perfect fit for our organization.”
Picard played 128 games at Harvard, where she collected 53 points (8g, 45a) as a defenseman. The Taunton, MA native has played 66 games in a USA Hockey jersey, beginning with the 2010 IIHF U-18 World Championship. Picard has played in every Four Nations tournament since 2010, and every IIHF Women’s World Championship since 2012. In the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Picard played in 5 games for the US.
“I decided to join the NWHL so that I could continue playing the game I love,” said Picard. “Last year I was honored to be drafted, knowing that it provided a great opportunity for me to join the league this year. I’m excited to be in New York and join my teammates in a battle for the Isobel Cup!”
Picard was chosen sixth overall by the Connecticut Whale in the 2015 NWHL Draft, and was traded to the Riveters for forward Haley Skarupa during restricted free agency.
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, 20
