University of Minnesota Athletics
Kessel Signs with NWHL's NY Riveters
5/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
May 2, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS -- Senior forward Amanda Kessel is set to join the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) as she has signed a one-year contract with the New York Riveters for the 2016-17 season.
Kessel led Minnesota to its seventh national title and fourth in the last five years this March after returning to the program following nearly a three-year absence from college hockey. The Madison, Wis., native played for the Gophers from 2010-11 to 2012-13 before taking a redshirt year in 2013-14 to represent the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Kessel then missed the 2014-15 season while recovering from a concussion and made her return to the Gophers' lineup in February 2016 in her final year of eligibility.
As a Gopher, Kessel was a two-time ACHA/CCM Hockey All-American and won the 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. She ended her career ranked second in Minnesota history with 248 career points (108 goals, 140 assists) in 127 games. She won three national championships (2012, 2013, 2016) and was part of Minnesota's perfect 41-0-0 team in 2012-13.
"I am beyond excited to join the New York Riveters and the NWHL next season," Kessel told the NWHL. "It is a great opportunity to help the league continue to grow and be a future dream for young girls. The fact that little girls can now say they want to play in the NWHL is inspirational for me and the future of women's hockey.
"I'm thrilled for a new opportunity and challenge. New York is going to be a great spot for me. I'm a competitor and I love to win, so I hope to bring my experience and contribute to a winning team and culture."
Kessel joins fellow senior Amanda Leveille in continuing her career in the NWHL for the 2016-17 season after Leveille signed a contract with the Buffalo Beauts. Minnesota alumni Gigi Marvin (Boston Pride) and Megan Bozek (Buffalo Beauts) represented the Gophers in the NWHL during the league's debut season in 2015-16.
The NWHL's restricted free agency began April 1 and lasted until April 30. Free agency began May 1 and lasts until July 31. The 2016 NWHL Draft is June 18.
###
