The Minnesota Whitecaps have signed defender Maggie Flaherty from the University of Minnesota-Duluth
The Minnesota Whitecaps have signed defender Maggie Flaherty from the University of Minnesota-Duluth
The Minnesota Whitecaps continue to add NCAA graduates from the state, this time signing University of Minnesota-Duluth blueliner Maggie Flaherty to a one-year contract.
Flaherty, 22, is a Lakeville, Minnesota product, playing high school hockey for Lakeville North before making the jump to the NCAA.
“It feels surreal to start my professional career in my home state,” Flaherty said in a team press release. “I’m super excited to be able to stay close to home and have the continued support from my family.”
Last season the defender was named a Third Team All-WCHA star after scoring nine goals and 25 points in 39 games for the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. In 2018, Flaherty won gold at the U-18 World Championships with Team USA.
Her 25 points were 11th nationally among blueliners.
Minnesota Whitecaps general manager Chi-Yin Tse sees Flaherty's offensive upside as a major addition to the roster.
“Our forwards should be really excited about the first pass from Maggie. She’s very good at finding good outlet passes and seeing up ice,” said Tse. “We’ll be able to use our speed effectively and efficiently through the neutral zone - teams will have to respect the long pass, but will always be guessing if she jumps the rush, too. Maggie presents an offensive threat that I really like."
Flaherty's signing was announced on the same day as University of Minnesota-Duluth teammate Emma Soderberg who inked a two-year contract with the Connecticut Whale.
Other NCAA signings announced by the Minnesota Whitecaps this offseason include Claire Butorac and Brooke Bryant.