Beginning June 1, NWHL teams can start signing players for the 2018-19 season.
For players who have completed their college eligibility and want to continue
their hockey careers, the free agency period provides them an opportunity to
continue playing at the highest level of professional women's hockey. The
fourth season of the NWHL will begin in October as the Metropolitan Riveters
defend their Isobel Cup championship, and with the addition of a fifth team -
the Minnesota Whitecaps - as well as the inclusion of players who participated
in the 2018 Winter Olympics, this very well could be the most competitive
season yet. 

My colleague Nathaniel Oliver will keep THW readers up-to-date on Boston and
Buffalo's signings throughout the summer, while I post updates on Connecticut
and the Riveters. Together we will collaborate to keep readers informed of all
of Minnesota's signings.

Whale Re-Sign Beattie, Add Four Others

Riveters Sign Rookie Audra Richards

Whale Re-Sign Ade & Fluke

BREAKING: The @CTWhale_NWHL have signed Czech Republic National Team and UMD
Forward Katerina Mrázová. 

🔗: https://t.co/Mq58bYPb8a pic.twitter.com/raMQFFS67v

- NWHL (@NWHL) July 11, 2018

On July 11 the Connecticut Whale added more international flavor to their
roster when they signed Katerina Mrázová, making her the first player from
the Czech Republic to sign with an NWHL team. The 25-year-old most recently
played at the University of Minnesota Duluth, a school which has already had a
bunch of players play in the pro league (Zoe Hickel, Meghan Huertas). A day
prior to Mrázová signing, her collegiate teammate Michelle Löwenhielm
signed with the Whale also.

"I'm joining this great league and organization because I want to continue
playing hockey at the highest level. I could not be more excited to be signing
my first contract with the Connecticut Whale," Mrázová said in the NWHL's
press release announcing her signing. "I want to say a huge thank you to the
Whale team and organization for making it happen. I can't wait to put the
jersey on and represent the team."Katerina Mrázová (Photo Credit: University
of Minnesota Duluth)

Over her four seasons with the Bulldogs Mrázová posted 75 points (25g-50a)
over 117 games and she also played in the CWHL as a 20-year-old - helping the
Boston Blades win the 2013 Clarkson Cup; she was the first European to win that
 trophy. She also represented the Czech Republic at the 2013 Women's World
Championships.

"I always have the highest goals and it will not be different with the
Connecticut Whale, I want to help the team win the Isobel Cup," added
Mrázová. "On the international scene, I want to help our National Team
qualify for the Olympics. It might look far away, but competing in the NWHL
against incredibly talented players should help me further develop as a player,
 and hopefully help the Czech National Team in the future."

The post Connecticut Adds Mrázová For More International Flavor appeared
first on The Hockey Writers.

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