Whale Land International Star Emma Soderberg For Two-Years

Swedish netminder Emma Soderberg has signed with the PHF's Connecticut Whale after being named WCHA Goaltender of the Year, Swedish Player of the Year and an IIHF All-Star.

Emma Soderberg is one of the best goaltenders in the world, now she'll bring her talents to the Connecticut Whale in the PHF for the next two-seasons.

Soderberg signed a two-year contract with the Whale after completing her NCAA career with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. At Minnesota-Duluth, Soderberg was the WCHA Goaltender of the Year, a national finalist for goaltender of the year, and the WCHA's Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.

“Emma was a top prospect coming out of the NCAA, and we couldn't be more excited to have her join our organization,” head coach Colton Orr said in a team release. 

“Emma is a fun goalie to watch. She is quick, athletic, and a fierce competitor in the net. She has a ton of experience and has played at all levels, and her performance at Worlds was impressive to watch. We can't wait to see what she can do as a member of the Whale.”

Soderberg hinted at the World Championships that she intended to stay in North America to play, and will now take a spot in Connecticut's crease.

“I am super excited to join the Whale this upcoming season!” Söderberg said. “I felt right away that this is an organization that is very professional, and that it will be the right place for me to keep growing my game. I hope to bring my competitiveness to all practices and games, so that I can help the team in the journey towards a championship!”

After a spectacular IIHF World Championship performance that saw Soderberg voted a tournament all-star for her performance with Sweden, Soderberg was voted the Swedish Player of the Year.

"The focus, quick wit and ability to reset are significant for Emma," the Swedish Ice Hockey Association wrote in justifying her recognition. "She also combines the much-needed goalkeeper individualism with always putting the team first."

With Minnesota-Duluth this season, Soderberg posted a 1.39 GAA and .938 save percentage while posting 12 shutouts for the Bulldogs.