Force Ink NCAA Standout Theresa Schafzahl

Theresa Schafzahl, an NCAA standout with Vermont, has signed with the PHF's Montreal Force.

The Montreal Force have inked one of the top NCAA free agents available, signing Vermont standout Theresa Schafzahl to a two-year contract.

"I am very excited to take the next step in my career and play professional hockey for La Force next year," said Schafzahl in a press release. "I'm thrilled to play in Montreal because it's an amazing city and because a lot of people are very passionate about hockey there. I also have a lot of trust in the La Force leadership and am sure the team is going to do great things next season!"

This season, Schafzahl, who captained the University of Vermont Catamounts, scored 21 goals and 45 points en route to being named a New England Division I Women's All-Star by the New England Hockey Writers Association.

The Austrian leaves Vermont as the programs all-time leader in goals, assists, and points. She was also named to the All-Hockey East First Team this season. Last season, Schafzahl was named the Hockey East Player of the Year.

“Theresa was the go-to NCAA player we were aiming for," said Montreal president Kevin Raphael in a press release. "She is an exceptional player. Her shot is blistering and her leadership is impressive for her age. She has the size, strength, and abilities to impact the game in much the same way as Jade Downie-Landry. She has the potential to be rookie of the year.”

Schafzahl will join the Montreal Force for the second season in the PHF. Montreal finished out of the playoffs in year one, despite bringing a large contingent of PWHPA players over to the league. 

Alongside Schafzahl, Montreal also announced the signing of Sarah Lefort and Emma Keenan. Montreal now has 12 players signed moving toward next season including Schafzahl, Audrey-Anne Veillette, Rosalie Bégin-Cyr, Lefort, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Jade Downie-Landry, Alexandra Labelle, Élizabeth Giguère. Daoust, Keenan, Brigitte Laganière and Corinne Schroeder.