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.

A trio of Defenders Return to Riveters

Janiga Returns to Beauts After a Year in China

Trivigno Re-Signs with Boston

"I hope to establish the Whitecaps as a competitor in the NWHL while continuing
 to advance girls' hockey in Minnesota and across the U.S." -- @kate_schipper
pic.twitter.com/JK13RMXzJG

- Minnesota Whitecaps (@WhitecapsHockey) July 18, 2018

On July 18 the Minnesota Whitecaps signed their fourth player and just like the
 first three signings, Kate Schipper just happens to be a former University of
Minnesota Golden Gopher. The 23-year-old helped the Gophers win back-to-back
National Titles (2015, 2016) and was one of the two players from the then
independent Whitecaps to play in the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game in St. Paul before
 the team had joined the league.

"The All-Star Weekend showed the strength of the women's hockey community and
fan base we have in Minnesota, so I'm very excited for the opportunity to play
a part in bringing professional women's hockey to the state," Schipper said in
the league's press release announcing her signing. "I hope to establish the
Whitecaps as a competitor in the NWHL while continuing to advance girls' hockey
 in Minnesota and across the U.S."Kate Schipper and Sadie Lundquist of the
Minnesota Whitecaps at the 2018 NWHL All-Star Weekend in Minnesota. (Photo
Credit: Matthew Raney)

In her junior season with the Gophers, she had a breakout season with 40 points
 (14g-26a) in 40 games as they capped off consecutive championships. She will
play alongside former college teammates Amanda Leveille, Hannah Brandt, and Lee
 Stecklein with the Whitecaps. Currently, there are two other former Golden
Gophers from the 2016 team in the league: Dani Cameranesi (Buffalo Beauts) and
Amanda Kessel (Metropolitan Riveters).

The post Whitecaps Add Another Golden Gopher appeared first on The Hockey
Writers.

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