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.

Janiga Returns to Beauts After a Year in China

Trivigno Re-Signs with Boston

Connecticut Adds Mrázová From UMD

Ryan was a finalist for @NWHL Rookie of the Year, had 3 goals and 13 assists
for 16 points in 16 games last season. Raise that Cup up high @j_flow5🏆

🏒: https://t.co/SLGHcYyIFu pic.twitter.com/voq7qplFEV

- Metro Riveters 🏆 (@Riveters) July 17, 2018

On July 17 the Riveters re-signed three crucial defenders to aid their quest to
 become the first back-to-back champions in NWHL history. Courtney Burke (2018
Defender of the Year) and Michelle Picard will return for their third seasons,
and Jenny Ryan will be entering her second season. Burke finished second in the
 league in scoring (19 points) and Ryan led all NWHL rookies in points with 16
(3g-13a) and was third in the league in shots on goal (49). Picard was the
captain of Team NWHL for the two exhibitions against Team USA in late January,
prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics. All three were 2018 NWHL All-Stars, and
Picard won a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics with Team USA.

Burke was selected fourth overall in the inaugural NWHL Draft (2015) by the
Buffalo Beauts and signed with the Riveters the following season. Her 30 career
 points (5g-25a) in 29 games is tops among all defenders in league history.
"Our fans, team, and support staff made it an easy decision for me to continue
playing," said the 23-year-old who is the Riveters all-time leader in assists.
"Coming off last season and the expansion to Minnesota this summer, it is a
really exciting time to be a part of the NWHL. I'm ready to get back on the ice
 with the team this fall."Metropolitan Riveters players at the 2018 NWHL
All-Star Game in Minnesota. (L-R) Kelsey Koelzer, Katie Fitzgerald, Rebecca
Russo, Courtney Burke, Jenny Ryan, Alexa Gruschow, Michelle Picard. (Photo
Credit: Matthew Raney)

Picard, like Burke, was also selected in the inaugural NWHL Draft (6th overall)
 and a year later her rights were traded from Connecticut to the Riveters for
the rights to Haley Skarupa. The 25-year-old Picard was a captain for two
seasons at Harvard University and this past season was one of the recipients of
 the NWHL Foundation Award. "I'm so excited to be back with the Riveters this
season," she said in the league's press release. "I'm grateful to be a part of
this organization and I really can't thank our fans enough for their support.
They are a huge reason why playing with the Rivs is so special. Now it's time
to defend the Cup!"

Ryan was selected 9th overall by the Riveters in the 2016 NWHL Draft and was
stellar in her first pro season earning her a nomination as a finalist for
NWHL Rookie of the Year. "I'm very excited to be returning for another
seasoning the NWHL and with the Riveters," Ryan said via the league website.
"I'd like to say thank you to all of the amazing Riveters fans, and all of the
NWHL fans. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to continue and play the
game that we all love. I look forward to sharing another season with all of you
 and hope to bring the Cup back to Newark."

The post Riveters Re-Sign Three Key Defenders appeared first on The Hockey
Writers.

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