Night two of the NWHL 2020 draft was just as exciting as the first with more special guests taking part to announce the future of the league. This year was not one you wanted to miss, but if you did below will catch you up!
In round three the 13th overall pick went to the Connecticut Whales, who picked forward from Savannah Rennie from Syracuse University. Nicole Barnhurt of the Utah Royals and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist announced the pick.
“Save has worked very hard in her career to position herself to play at the next level and the NWHL is a league I believe she can flourish in.” Paul Flannagan, head coach of Syracuse said in a statement. “Playing alongside and against the best players in North American will bring out the best in Savannah.”
The 14th overall pick went to the Buffalo Beauts. Announced by Steve Dangle, a podcaster and blogger for Sportsnet, Autumn MacDougal, forward from the University of Alberta entered the NWHL.
“This will be an incredible opportunity for her to continue her playing career, and raise the level of her game at the professional level.” Howie Draper, head coach of the University of Alberta, said in a statement. “She is a talented offensive weapon, who excels at creating chances for herself and her teammates in the offensive zone.”
The fifteenth pick was announced by Natalie Achnowa, two time Olympian for Team Canada and an Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Toronto drafted Erin Locke, a forward from York University.
“Erin is one of the best forwards to lead our program. She is a tremendous hockey player, but what truly sets her apart is her character and leadership.” Dan Church, head coach of York University, said in a statement.
With the 16th overall pick, the Metropolitan Riveters picked Tera Hofmann, a goal from Yale University. The pick was announced by Riveters fan and former governor of New Jersey, Christine Whitman.
“She had a good career at Yale and has a calming demeanor in the nets – which should translate well to pro hockey in the NWHL.” Mark Bolding, head coach of Yale University, said in a statement.
The 17th overall pick went to the Minnesota Whitecaps, who chose Presley Norby, a forward from the University of Wisconsin. Ryan McDonagh, defenseman of the Tampa Bay Lightning
“Presley is a player who’s going to create havoc for the opponents and create scoring opportunities for her teammates because of her speed.” Dan Koch, associate head coach at the University of Wisconsin.
The 18th pick went to the Boston Pride, who picked Taylor Wenczkowski, a forward from the University of New Hampshire. The pick was announced by the head coach of the university, Hilary Witt
“Taylor is incredibly skilled, competitive, and driven,” Witt said in a statement. “I am very proud of her accomplishments and excited to see her succeed in Professional Hockey.”
Round four came with another round of excited announcers and female athletes.
In the 19th overall pick, the Connecticut Whale picked Amanda Conway, a forward from Norwich University. The announcer of the pick was Erica L Ayala, an NWHL analyst.
“Her passion for the game, dedication to her team, and natural scoring ability are among a long list of incredible characteristics that have been foundations in her journey to earn her this incredible next step in her career.” Sophie Leclerc, head coach of Norwich University said in a statement.
Following that with the 20th pick, the Buffalo Beauts picked Kelly O’Sullivan, a defender out of Adrian College. Kevin Weekes, NHL Network, and former NHL goaltender announced the pick.
“Kelly is one of the best players to ever come through our program here at Adrian College and it’s very humbling to see her achieve one of her goals by continuing her career after college in the pro ranks with some of the best in the world.” Shawn Skelly, head coach of Adrian college said in a statement.
The 21st pick for the Metropolitan Riveters was announced by Sky Blue FC midfielder in the NWSL, Madison Tiernan. The team chose Bridgette Prentiss, a forward from Franklin Pierce University.
“Her growth as a player and a leader over the course of her career has been exceptional, culminating in a special senior season!” David Stockdale, head coach of Franklin Pierce University, said in a statement.
The 22nd pick went to Toronto and Natalie Marcuzzi was chosen. She is a forward from Robert Morris University. The pick was announced by Kayla Alexander of the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.
With the 24th pick, the Minnesota Whitecaps chose forward Haley Mack from Bemidji State University. The announcement was made by play-by-play for the Whitecaps and Bemidji State University Kelly Schultz.
“Haley Mack is one of the most competitive plays I have ever coached and absolutely hates to lose at anything.” Jum Scanlan, head coach at Bemidji State University, said in a statement. “She is a natural goal scorer who is deceptively fast, quick in tight areas, and has a great release.”
The 24th overall pick and last pick of the fourth round went to Boston, who chose defender Taylor Turnquist from Clarkson University. The announcer was Donna de Varona, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and member of the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.
“As a hockey player, Taylor is extremely versatile. She can play defense or forward, and any type of game situation you need her in.” Matt Desrosiers, head coach at Clarkson University, said in a statement. “She is willing to play any role needed in order to help her team win and be successful.”
The fifth and final round started with the 25th pick and Connecticut once again. The Whale chose Nicole Guagliardo, a forward from Adrian college. The announcement was made by Twitch’s own, Gamer Doc, host of the NWHL Open Ice.
“Nicole led our team in scoring this year and led by example.” Shawn Skelly, head coach of Adrian College, said in a statement. “This opportunity to continue her hockey career in Connecticut is something I know Nicole will Cherish and also work very hard to succeed against the league’s elite.”
The 26th overall pick was received by the Buffalo Beauts, who chose defender Logan Land from RIT. Rachel Jacobson, the newly appointed president of the Drone Racing League made the announcement.
She was a pleasure to watch during her time in a Tiger uniform and provided tremendous leadership to her teammates.” Lou Spoitti, executive athletic director at RIT, said in a statement.
The 27th pick went to Connecticut who chose Maddie Bishop; a forward from Sacred Heart University. Cam Atkinson, forward for the Blue Jackets, made the announcement.
“She had an outstanding college hockey career here at Sacred Heart, and helped our team achieve a lot of its success over these last 4 years.” Tom O’Malley, head coach of Sacred Heart University, said in a statement.
With the third to last and 28th pick, Minnesota chose Maddie Rowe, a defender from the University of Wisconsin. Bob S, Dennis, and Tracy season ticket holders and Whitecaps faithful made the announcement.
Maddie is a physically strong player who can defend.” Dan Koch, associate head coach of the University of Wisconsin, said in a statement.
The Boston Pride held the last two picks of the night and with the 29th pick chose Meghara McManus, a forward from the University of New Hampshire. The announcer was Sarah Griffin of PrideDieHards, the Pride Faithful.
“Meghara gives everything she has to the game.” Hilary Witt, head coach of the University of New Hampshire, said in a statement. “She scores goals, blocks shots, kills penalties and see the game really well.”
The last and 30th pick was defender Paige Capistran from Northeastern University. Florence Schelling, Former Olympic Goalie for Team Switzerland and GM of SC Bern made the announcement.
“With her determination to get better every day and her love of hockey, I know she will make her mark with the Pride as she did at Northeastern.” Lindsay Berman, assistant coach of Northeastern University, said in a statement. “The Pride gained not only a great defenseman but also a phenomenal person and natural leader.”
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