The Minnesota Whitecaps have signed another NCAA product in Minnesota State University-Mankato captain Claire Butorac to a two-year contract.

The Minnesota Whitecaps inked their second NCAA graduate of the offseason locking up Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks captain Claire Butorac to a two-year contract.

have added another Maverick to the 2023-24 roster with the signing of forward Claire Butorac from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

“I decided to sign with the Whitecaps because I loved having the chance to stay in Minnesota and continue my career,” Butorac said in a Whitecaps press release. “I grew up in Minnesota and think being able to grow the professional side of women’s hockey in my home state is a great opportunity. I am most looking forward to getting the opportunity to help build off the great season the Whitecaps had last year. I am very excited to get things going,

Hailing from Andover, Minnesota, Butorac spent five seasons playing for Minnesota State. Last season she had 23 points in 36 games for the Mavericks. Butorac joins fellow Mavericks forward Brooke Bryant who signed with the Whitecaps last week. Both played for the Whitecaps at the Battle of the Rig exhibition in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I am excited to see what Claire can do at the next level,” Whitecaps general manager Chi-Yin Tse said. “She had a great college career in Mankato and I really like the little details she has when she plays. Butorac will push the limits and be a huge asset to the Whitecaps.”

“Her style of play will add a little grit to the Whitecaps and I anticipate her to win a lot of 50/50 battles,” he added.

With the addition of Butorac, the Minnesota Whitecaps now have 11 players under contact including Bryant, Brittyn Fleming, Olivia Knowles, Ashleigh Brykaliuk, Anna Klein, Ronja Mogren,  Amanda Boulier, Sidney Morin, Amanda Leveille and Chantal Burke.