Photo by: Tom Lynn
Badgers to add pair of blueliners for 2021-22 season
July 29, 2021 | Women's Hockey
Nealey and Helgeson will join UW this fall
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin women's hockey head coach Mark Johnson announced Thursday that defensemen Kendra Nealey and Sophie Helgeson will join the Badgers for the 2021-22 season.
A native of Madison, Nealey played three seasons at Cornell, leading the Big Red to the 2019 ECAC regular-season title and an appearance at the 2019 NCAA Frozen Four. Helgeson will arrive at UW as a freshman after playing her high school hockey at Roseau High School.
"I'm delighted to become a Badger," Nealey said. "I'm excited to work with some of the best coaches, play with an elite team and be surrounded by the support of such an enthusiastic fan base."Â
"UW has a winning tradition that I am excited to be a part of," Helgeson said. "In addition, the school has excellent academics and a beautiful campus."
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A three-time ECAC All-Academic honoree, Nealey registered 11 assists during the shortened 2019-20 season for Cornell and blocked 33 shots. She recorded 12 assists during the 2018-19 season and ranked second on the team with 52 blocked shots. As a freshman, Nealey had seven points from five goals and two assists and had a .156 shooting percentage.Â
Before her time at Cornell, Nealey competed with the Chicago Mission, helping the Mission win the national U-19 title in 2015. She also helped the Mission reach the national championship game in 2017 and the national semifinals in 2014 and 2016.
Helgeson was a two-time all-state selection while playing for the Roseau Rams and led the team to the consolation state title game during her junior season. Helgeson posted a career-high 36 points her senior season in only 21 games after recording 30 her junior season.
A four-sport athlete, Helgeson also competed at the Minnesota state track meet in the 100 and 200 meters in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Helgeson is the daughter of Jon Helgeson, who played for the UW men's hockey team from 1987-92 and was a part of UW's 1990 NCAA championship team.
A native of Madison, Nealey played three seasons at Cornell, leading the Big Red to the 2019 ECAC regular-season title and an appearance at the 2019 NCAA Frozen Four. Helgeson will arrive at UW as a freshman after playing her high school hockey at Roseau High School.
"I'm delighted to become a Badger," Nealey said. "I'm excited to work with some of the best coaches, play with an elite team and be surrounded by the support of such an enthusiastic fan base."Â
"UW has a winning tradition that I am excited to be a part of," Helgeson said. "In addition, the school has excellent academics and a beautiful campus."
Â
A three-time ECAC All-Academic honoree, Nealey registered 11 assists during the shortened 2019-20 season for Cornell and blocked 33 shots. She recorded 12 assists during the 2018-19 season and ranked second on the team with 52 blocked shots. As a freshman, Nealey had seven points from five goals and two assists and had a .156 shooting percentage.Â
Before her time at Cornell, Nealey competed with the Chicago Mission, helping the Mission win the national U-19 title in 2015. She also helped the Mission reach the national championship game in 2017 and the national semifinals in 2014 and 2016.
Helgeson was a two-time all-state selection while playing for the Roseau Rams and led the team to the consolation state title game during her junior season. Helgeson posted a career-high 36 points her senior season in only 21 games after recording 30 her junior season.
A four-sport athlete, Helgeson also competed at the Minnesota state track meet in the 100 and 200 meters in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Helgeson is the daughter of Jon Helgeson, who played for the UW men's hockey team from 1987-92 and was a part of UW's 1990 NCAA championship team.
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