Boston, MA. – June 20, 2015: The NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League) hosted their inaugural draft today in Boston. The General Managers from each of the league’s Founding Four teams gathered and selected the next group of women who will have the opportunity to join the league upon completion of their college athletic career. College juniors were eligible for the draft and were considered for this opportunity based on their stats, as well as their performance during scouting.
The NWHL announced each draft pick live via NWHL.co and Twitter. Four forwards were taken in the first round, starting with Team USA’s Alex Carpenter (Boston College), who was drafted number one by the New York Riveters. Carpenter is a 2014 Olympic Silver medalist and this year’s Patty Kazmaier Award winner. The Connecticut Whale selected Hannah Brandt (Minnesota) as their first pick and the Draft’s second overall pick. Brandt is a two-time World Champion with Team USA and the 2012 Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award winner. Olympic Silver medalist Kendall Coyne (Northeastern) was selected as the 3rd overall pick to the Boston Pride. Coyne is a three-time World Champion with Team USA, two-time Under-18 World Champion, and led the Huskies with 28 goals and 52 points in the 2014/2015 season. The Buffalo Beauts had the fourth overall pick and selected Courtney Burke (Wisconsin). Burke competed for the US National team in 2012, where Team USA took home a Silver medal from the World Championship. She was named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team after leading the Badgers defensemen and freshmen points during the 2012/2013 season.
“Today was an overwhelming success and a testament to the evolution of the sport. With players of this skill level and talent, it’s easy to see this is a new era of women’s hockey. We’re excited to watch them put an exclamation point on their collegiate careers and then continue on as professional athletes in the NWHL,” said Dani Rylan, NWHL Commissioner.
The 2015 NWHL Draft picks are as follows: New York Riveters Connecticut Whale Boston Pride Buffalo Beauts 1. Alex Carpenter 1. Hannah Brandt 1. Kendall Coyne 1. Courtney Burke 2. Haley Skarupa 2. Michelle Picard 2. Emerance Maschmeyer 2. Sarah Lefort 3. Erin Ambrose 3. Milica McMillen 3. Lexi Bender 3. Amanda Leveille 4. Dana Trivigno 4. Maryanne Menefee 4. Miye D’Oench 4. Emily Janiga 5. Kimberly Newell 5. Cassandra Poudrier 5. Shannon MacAuley 5. Jenna Dingeldein
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