Burke selected fourth in inaugural NWHL Draft
June 22, 2015 | Women's Hockey
June 22, 2015
MADISON, Wis. -- History was made on Saturday as Wisconsin women's hockey junior defenseman Courtney Burke was selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Beauts during the inaugural National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) Draft.
Burke, a native of Albany, New York, was the Beauts first-ever draft pick as the NWHL prepares for its rookie season this October. Buffalo is one of four franchises in the upstart league, joining the New York Riveters, Connecticut Whale and Boston Pride.
"I'm excited to be the top selection of the Buffalo Beauts in the first-ever NWHL draft," Burke said. "It's a great start to a new league and a big step in the right direction for women's hockey. I'm really excited I had the chance to be a part of it."
An All-WCHA Third-Team selection last year, Burke lead UW defensemen with 24 points off four goals and 20 assists. Burke was a force on the UW power play, scoring three goals while dishing out nine assists. Her 73 career points rank sixth in school history among UW defensemen.
Thanks to Burke, Wisconsin led the NCAA in scoring defense last year with a 1.12 goals-against average, and its penalty-kill unit had a .957 conversion rate, an NCAA record.
"It's exciting for Courtney" UW head coach Mark Johnson said. "People recognize the quality of player she is and the ability she possesses. I'm sure all of the players that were drafted are excited just because it is the first time that the draft happened. Any time you do something for the first time it is exciting.
"We are happy for her and her family."
The Badgers' blueliner was one of five players drafted from the WCHA, joining Minnesota's Hannah Brandt, Milica McMillen, Amanda Leveille and Maryanne Menefee.
All 20 players selected in Saturday's draft have completed their junior seasons and will complete their senior campaigns with their respected college teams before entering the professional league.
Per league rules, after completing her college career, a drafted player can then sign with the NWHL team that selected her. Or, she can opt into free agency, and sign with any of the other three teams. A player who is eligible to be selected and is not drafted becomes a free agent after completing her senior year.
The inaugural NWHL season, which will coincide with the draftees' senior collegiate campaigns, will take place from October to March, including preseason, an All-Star weekend and playoffs. The puck is set to drop for the regular season on October 17, 2015 and playoffs will conclude the season in March 2015. Each team will have two organized practices per week and play one game each weekend (nine home games and nine away games).
