University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Duo Selected in NWHL Draft
6/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Gopher seniors Lee Stecklein and Dani Cameranesi were selected in the first round of the 2016 National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) Draft on Saturday.
Stecklein and Cameranesi were among the top three draft picks as a total of 20 collegiate players were selected by the four NWHL teams. The Buffalo Beauts drafted Stecklein as the second overall pick, and the Connecticut Whale selected Cameranesi as the third overall pick.
Eleven players from the WCHA were selected in the 2016 NWHL Draft, including Stecklein and Cameranesi. Eligibility for the draft is based on age; selected players must have completed their junior season at the collegiate level before being picked. Those selected are required to complete their senior seasons at the collegiate level before signing a professional contract.
Draft order was determined according to the 2015-16 NWHL regular season standings; the New York Riveters selected first, followed by the Buffalo Beauts, the Connecticut Whale, and the inaugural NWHL league champions, the Boston Pride.
Stecklein and Cameranesi join Hannah Brandt, Amanda Leveille, Milica McMillen, and Maryanne Menefee to make up Minnesota's six all-time NWHL draft picks as the quartet of Gophers was selected in the league's inaugural draft last year. Brandt was the number two overall pick a year ago, matched by Stecklein this year.
The Gophers officially start the 2016-17 season at home against Lindenwood University Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
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