The Buffalo Beauts selected five college juniors, including two Western New York natives in the second National Women’s Hockey League 2016 Draft.
With the second overall pick, Buffalo selected Minnesota defenseman Lee Stecklein. This past season with the Gophers she posted a career high 30 points, scoring eight goals and adding 22 assists to help power the squad to its seventh national title.
In the second round with the 6th overall selection, the Beauts turned their focus to offense, drafting Clarkson University forward Cayley Mercer. She led the Knights in scoring with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 40 games. Clarkson advanced to the Frozen Four and lost to Boston College in the national semifinal, 3-2 in overtime.
Williamsville native Hayley Scamurra was taken with the 10th overall pick in the 10th round. This past season with Northeastern the former Nichols standout scored 14 goals to power the Huskies to the NCAA Tournament. They lost in the first round 5-1 to Boston College.
In the fourth round the Beauts selected Quinnipiac forward Emma Woods. The Ontario native tallied career highs in points, goals and assists with 11 goals and 23 assists.
Rounding out the 2016 draft was another Western New York native and former Nichols star Maddie Alia. The Lewiston native scored 15 goals and added 14 assists this past season with Boston University. Both marks are career highs.
All five will return to school for their senior years this coming fall, and will have an opportunity to sign contracts with the Beauts prior to the 2017-2018 season.
