Connecticut Whale Acquire Zoe Hickel from Boston Pride

Zoe Hickel (Photo by Michelle Jay)

With the National Women’s Hockey League, trade deadline set for Wednesday February 8, the Connecticut Whale announced on Tuesday that they have acquired forward, Zoe Hickel, from the Boston Pride.

The Whale dealt their 2017 first round draft pick, along with future considerations to Boston for the rights to Hickel. In 12 games with the this season, the 24-year-old has a goal and five assists.

Hickel informed her Pride teammates this morning after agreeing to the deal. She will represent the Pride one final time this weekend at the NWHL All Star Festivities, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as she skates with Team Kessel.

Whale general manager, Lisa Giovanelli said, “The Whale are very excited to add Zoe Hickel to our organization. We feel Zoe will be a great addition to our lineup and will add excellent depth to our forwards. We are happy to be able to afford her this opportunity jump into a bigger role in Connecticut. Acquiring Zoe is a huge step for the Whale in our quest for the Isobel Cup and we look forward to the sprint to the playoffs.”

Pride general manager, Hayley Moore added, “We want to thank Zoe for her commitment and contributions to the Pride over the past two seasons. As an organization, we pride ourselves into putting the players first, supporting their development and preparing them for the national team stage. We made this move so that Zoe will have the opportunity to play a new role for the Whale. We wish her the best in Connecticut and beyond.”

Moore continued, “Our staff is excited to allow more of our players to step into a bigger role down the final stretch. We know they are ready to embrace them, and are looking full speed ahead to our quest for the Isobel Cup. As we look to the draft and next season, the college product is getting better and better. It is an exciting time for women’s hockey. To receive the Whale’s first round pick, we are thrilled to continue building our team with the top-notch talent out there.”

During the inaugural season of the NWHL, Hickel put up three goals and four assists in 15 games, while adding a goal and three assists in four playoff games and helping the Pride to capturing the first ever Isobel Cup.