University of Minnesota Athletics
Leveille Signs with NWHL's Buffalo Beauts
4/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
April 28, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS -- Goaltender Amanda Leveille is the first 2015-16 Golden Gopher women's hockey senior to join the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) as she has signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Beauts for the 2016-17 season.
Leveille wrapped up her Gophers career by leading Minnesota to its seventh national title and fourth in the last five years this March. The Kingston, Ontario native ended her collegiate career as the NCAA all-time leader in both save percentage (.947) and winning percentage (.897).
In four years with the Gophers, Leveille posted an overall record of 98-9-5 with 32 shutouts. Her career goals against average of 1.18 is the best in Minnesota history and ranks second in WCHA and NCAA history. She also ranks second in Minnesota history in both career shutouts and career wins, trailing only Noora Raty (114-17-8 with 43 shutouts).
"I grew up in a sports-minded family where hockey was by far our favorite sport," Leveille told the NWHL. "I used to watch every Montreal Canadiens game with my dad and envision myself one day playing in the NHL, like every kid does.
"I want to play in the NWHL because I support girls' professional hockey, and hope one day young girls will dream of playing in the NWHL. I am grateful for and looking forward to this opportunity with a new organization."
Leveille is the first pick from the 2015 NWHL Draft to sign a contract for the upcoming season, joining Minnesota alumni Gigi Marvin (Boston Pride) and Megan Bozek (Buffalo Beauts) in representing the Gophers in the NWHL. The duo participated in the league's debut season in 2015-16. Leveille was drafted 12th overall in the 2015 NWHL Draft by the Beauts.
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