BROOKLYN, NY – An already-deep Riveters defense got stronger today as Michelle Picard signed a contract to return for the 2017-18 season. Picard was a part of Team USA that captured silver at the 2014 Olympics, and won gold in 2013, 2015 and 2016 at the World Championships.
“Last year we had a great season with the Riveters, but came up short of our expectations. This year we aim to bring home the Isobel Cup to our loyal fans,” said Picard. “My experience with the NWHL has been greater than I imagined. It allowed me to continue playing the game I love at a competitive level. I have met some amazing people within the Riveters organization, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Last season with the Riveters, the 5-4 defender had 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 18 games.
Picard was a team captain as both a junior and senior at Harvard. In her senior season, she was named All-Ivy League first team, All-ECAC Hockey third team, and was an ECAC defender of the year finalist. She was 8-45-53 in 128 games over four seasons with the Crimson.
A Massachusetts native, Picard played high school hockey at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham. “I am so grateful for that experience,” she said. “I had amazing coaches and teachers who inspired me and supported me in making strides towards achieving my dreams.”
She played club hockey in the Massachusetts Spitfires program. “My coaches and teammates within that organization pushed me to be my best, and became another family to me,” said Picard.
Picard studied Anthropology at Harvard and is now a tutor and teaching assistant at Great Oaks Charter School in Newark. “I love working, teaching and coaching young people,” said Picard. “I also coach with Hockey in New Jersey (HNJ), which provides kids in Newark, Jersey City and Englewood the opportunity to play hockey for free. I have absolutely loved my time coaching with this organization and I look forward to coaching with them again this season!”
(NWHL Photo)
