University of Minnesota Athletics
Kessel Signs with Riveters for 2018-19
6/5/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota alumna and 2018 Olympic gold medalist Amanda Kessel has signed a one-year contract to return to the National Women's Hockey League's Metropolitan Riveters for the 2018-19 season, the NWHL announced Monday.
"I am excited to announce my return to the NWHL and the Metropolitan Riveters, the defending Isobel Cup champions," Kessel said in a statement issued by the NWHL. "We are coming off one of the most exciting moments in U.S. women's hockey history with Team USA's Olympic gold medal victory, and I want to keep this momentum going in the NWHL. I want the next generation of women's hockey players to see that a professional career in hockey is possible. The future for women's hockey and the NWHL is bright, and I'm looking forward to what's to come."
Kessel returns to the Riveters after recording 18 points (4g-14a) in just eight games during the 2016-17 season, her first year in the NWHL. Kessel served as a captain for the 2017 NWHL All-Star Game in Pittsburgh (held in partnership with the Penguins) and was named the game's MVP after scoring a hat trick.
A three-time NCAA champion and the 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner during her time with the Gophers, Kessel is the first Gopher alum to sign during the NWHL's free agency period, which begin June 1.
Two Gopher alumnae spent last season playing in the NWHL as Amanda Leveille and Jordyn Burns teamed up for the Buffalo Beauts. Leveille was named the 2018 NWHL Goaltender of the Year and led the Beauts to an Isobel Cup runner-up finish.
Gophers in the Pros: 2018-19 Season
Sydney Baldwin, EHV Vienna Sabres (EWHL)
Amanda Kessel, Metropolitan Riveters (NWHL)
Caitlin Reilly, EHV Vienna Sabres (EWHL)
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