by Jami Cohen
BUFFALO, NY– The Buffalo Beauts have officially announced their captains for the 2015-2016 NWHL season. Buffalo native, Emily Pfazler, will become the first captain in Beauts history, while Meghan Duggan and Shelby Bram will serve as assistant captains.
Coach Shelley Looney spoke highly of all three when asked how she and co-head coach, Ric Seiling, made this decision. “These players have the right foundations to make great leaders. The types of players and people they are exemplify the kind of team we desire to be.”
Credit: NWHL
Credit: NWHL
Pfalzer has been a true backbone for the Beauts as their steadiest defenseman through the first three games. Her cool, calm, and collected demeanor on and off the ice made her an easy choice for a leadership role.
“Having grown up in Buffalo, she understands what it means to represent the city and the team,” said Looney. “She is a positive influence and leads by example.”
While Pfalzer would rather spread praise to her teammates and was quick to point out that the Beauts have a lot of great talent and leadership on the team, she is honored to be chosen for this role.
“It is very humbling to be selected as captain of the Beauts,” Pfalzer said, “I’ve always been very proud to be from Buffalo and to have the opportunity to represent my city, in this capacity, is something I am very grateful for.”
“There are so many great leaders on this team, including Meghan and Shelby,” she continued. “I have learned a lot from Meghan during my time on the US National Team, and Shelby has proven to be a great leader on and off the ice. I am excited to continue our season and work towards bringing a championship to Buffalo.”
Credit: NWHL
Credit: NWHL
Pflazer was most recently the captain of Boston College during her senior year in 2014-2015, and was an assistant captain on the USA U-18 team that won gold at the 2011 IIHF Under 18 Women’s World Championships.
During her senior year at Wisconsin, Duggan served as captain, helping to lead her team to a NCAA National Championship, her third with the program. In addition, she was the captain of the US Women’s National Team at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, and most recently captained the USWNT to gold at the 4 Nations Cup this past week, in Sweden.
Through her first three games as a Beaut, Duggan has 4 points (1g, 3a) and has been a leading force on the ice. Her physical edge and strong work on the puck has provided a much needed spark for the Beauts offense as of late.
Credit: NWHL
Credit: NWHL
What she brings off the ice, with her past experiences, is of even greater importance says Looney. “Meghan has the experience we are looking for. Being the captain of Team USA, she’s been through it all and has lead at the highest level. We can all learn from her. Meghan is a great addition to our team and leadership core”
Bram was an assistant captain at Mercyhurst during her junior and senior years. Playing primarily on the first line during her first three Beauts games, her speed and quickness has created great scoring chances for her line mates.
Coach Looney pointed out the attributes that Bram possesses which helped the coaches come to this decision. “Shelby’s work ethic, passion and compete level are outstanding. As a team, we want to have those qualities and we believe that Shelby can help us do that.”
When asked what this position meant to her, Bram said, “I’m very excited to be chosen for this role. To be recognized as a leader means the world to me. I want to be the best person I can be both on and off ice. I want to lead by example and help out my teammates in any shape or form on our journey to win the First Isobel cup.”
One thing is for sure, all three players have the qualities that Buffalo embodies best: hard work, passion and determination. The Beauts are in great hands as they continue on their quest for success during the inaugural NWHL season.
For more information about the Buffalo Beauts, please visit NWHL.co.
