Huge nugget of NWHL news coming out of Connecticut today, as the Whale have signed their number 1 overall selection.
Here is what I wrote about the player on draft night:
1- Connecticut Whale – F Taylor Girard, Quinnipiac University
The forward who hails from Macomb, MI, was the first overall selection. First time Connecticut was picking the first overall pick. She played 5 years of college hockey, her first 3 years at Lindenwood University, and her last 2 years at Quinnipiac University. In the 105 games played, she’s tallied 32 goals and added 37 assists for a total of 69 points.
Last season with Quinnipiac, she played 15 games, scoring 7 goals and adding 9 assists for 16 points on the year, which was tied for the team lead in goals and second on the team in points.
You can check out the full press release here:
2021 FIRST OVERALL PICK TAYLOR GIRARD SIGNS WITH CONNECTICUT
Danbury, CT-
The Connecticut Whale announced on Wednesday that they have signed Taylor Girard, the first overall pick of the 2021 NWHL Draft, to a contract for the 2021-22 season. Girard is the Whale’s first signing from the 2021 draft class.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome our first overall draft pick, Taylor Girard, to the team. A first in franchise history,” said Laura Brennan, the team’s assistant general manager, and assistant coach. “She is a player who is coming off of a great career at Quinnipiac and we look forward to her continued growth and pro debut with us!”
The 5’10” forward spent the first half of her collegiate career at Lindenwood University before playing her junior and senior seasons with the Quinnipiac Bobcats. During her junior year, she posted 18 points in 24 games, scoring six goals and putting up a dozen assists. The Macomb, Michigan native averaged over a point per game her senior season, finishing her final collegiate season with 16 points (7G, 9A).
Girard will join a forward group that so far includes top scorer Alyssa Wohlfeiler, returnee Emma Vlasic and free-agent addition Kennedy Marchment.
“She brings size, speed, and strength to our forward core and will complement our team’s style of play,” said Brennan.
The 23-year-old is looking forward to joining a Whale team and showing her skills off to the Whale fanbase.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Connecticut Whale. I can’t wait to get on the ice and get this next season rolling!” said Girard.
Girard was the first player ever selected first overall by the Whale in the NWHL Draft and one of four talents added on June 29 along with forward Emma Polaski (8th overall), defender Hannah Bates (20th overall), and forward Grace Middleton (26th overall).
Whale Signing Tracker:
Alyssa Wohlfeiler (F)
Abbie Ives (G)
Kennedy Marchment (F)
Allie Munroe (D)
Emma Vlasic (F)
Hanna Beattie (D)
Tori Howran (D)
Mariah Fujimagari (G)
Taylor Girard (F)
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings and news are announced.
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