New York, NY — The New York Riveters and Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League have traded the rights to their 2015 NWHL Draft second round picks in the first trade of the 2016-17 season.
Haley Skarupa (Boston College) was selected fifth overall by the Riveters, while Michelle Picard (Harvard) was chosen sixth overall by the Whale. Skarupa, a forward, finished her final NCAA season with 244 points (35g, 44a) in 144 games. Picard scored 53 points (8g, 45a) in 128 games as a defenseman across her college career.
Skarupa and Picard may continue any contract negotiations already in progress with their new club.
Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasts until April 30. Free agency begins 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.
