The PHF's Minnesota Whitecaps have agreed to terms with University of Minnesota Golden Gophers grad Catherine Skaja.
The PHF's Minnesota Whitecaps have agreed to terms with University of Minnesota Golden Gophers grad Catherine Skaja.
Catherine Skaja won't have far to go for the next step in her hockey career after the University of Minnesota grad signed with the PHF's Minnesota Whitecaps. Skaja signed a one-year, $35,000 contract.
Skaja, a two-time gold medalist with Team USA at the U-18 World Championships, spent five seasons with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
“Minnesota has and will always have the best hockey,” Skaja said in a press release. “Having the privilege to continue my career professionally here in Minnesota is a dream.”
Last season in Minnesota, Skaja had 34 points in 35 games with the Gophers. It was her second best NCAA season after scoring 47 points in 39 games the year prior.
“Catie is very fast on transitions and I really love the way she is always attacking the puck. That is going to be a huge asset for us; we want teams to try and keep up with our speed. She is also sneaky with her shot release and I love how she finds the open space on the ice,” Whitecaps general manager Chi-Yin Tse said. “Her biggest strength is her tenacity on the puck - again, I love when players attack pucks in all zones and I saw a lot of that from her this past season.”
The New Prague, Minnesota product joins Maggie Flaherty, Claire Butorac, and Brooke Bryant as other NCAA grads to sign with the Whitecaps this offseason.
“I think her poise on the ice will be another addition to the puck movers we have on this team. She has played against and with some of the best players in the game and in high pressure moments. The more players we have with that type of experience will only help us get back to the Cup Final - and win.”