Connecticut Whale Re-Sign Rachael Ade and Emily Fluke

The Connecticut Whale began filling the roster for their 2018-2019 squad on Friday as they announced that Rachael Ade and Emily Fluke will be returning to Stamford, Connecticut this Fall.

Fluke was the Whale’s leading scorer this past season, while Ade was a top notched defender for Connecticut during the 2017-2018 campaign. Ade also received the NWHL Foundation Award this past year.

Both rookies were in the Top Ten in apparel sales. Fluke held the number seven spot, while Ade came in 10^th. Every player in the National Women’s Hockey League, receive about 15 percent of the sales of their jerseys and shirsey T-shirts. Fans can purchase the apparel online at https://www.nwhl.zone/shop.

Fluke, who played collegiately at Middlebury College, in Middlebury, Vermont scored four goals and seven assists for the Whale last season.  Her career numbers with the Middlebury Panthers give her 54 goals and 61 assists.

During her senior season, she was honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association as a CCM First-Team All-American. The New England Hockey Writers’ Association named her a Division II-III Women’s Player of the Year and the New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Prior to her collegiate career, she went to the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut. At Loomis Chaffee, she was captain of the ice hockey, field hockey and lacrosse teams as a senior.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be playing in the NWHL and for the Connecticut Whale again,” said Fluke.”I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to play in season three and knew as soon as it ended that I wanted to play another season.

“Being able to share this journey with our incredible fans, teammates, coaches and my family make it all the more special and I can’t wait to be back on the ice with the team. The NWHL is filled with incredibly talented players and I am looking forward to competing at a high level for a second season.”

Ade was also a played a big part for the Whale while making an impression on her coaches during her rookie campaign as well. The solid blueliner was able to add two helpers in 16 games this past season.

The Davenport, Florida native won a NWHL Foundation Award, which is presented to the players that represent or apply the core values of hockey to her community, this past season.

She developed her game with the Boston Shamrocks youth program prior to playing collegiately at the University of Vermont. In four seasons with the Catamounts, the defender put up 11 goals and 21 assists in 143 games.

“I am very excited to be back with the Whale again this season, and I am looking forward to what to what this new season will bring for both our team, the league and women’s hockey in general,” said Ade. “The addition of the new team in Minnesota, and some of the signings that have already happened, has really set a great tone for this year, and it also represents a lot of opportunities.

“As always, I appreciate the fans and their support so much, as without it this would not continue to be possible, and it only seems to get better each and every day. Also thank you to my family, friends, coaches and my company for all playing a part in my ability to re-sign this year. I honestly cannot wait for October. Fins up!”