Connecticut Whale Sign Former Czech Republic Forward Katerina Mrazova

The Connecticut Whale announced on Wednesday that they signed former Czech Republic National Team and University of Minnesota-Duluth forward, Katerina Mrazova to a contract for the 2018-2019 National Women’s Hockey League season.

Mrazova put up 25 goals and 50 assists in 117 games throughout her collegiate career for the Bulldogs. Throughout the past decade, Mrazova has represented the Czech Republic in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, as well as many other international tournaments.

She also helped the Boston Blades, of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, capture the Clarkson Cup in 2013. In accomplishing the feat, she became the first European in the history of the CWHL to do so.

Mrazova said, “I’m joining this great league and organization because I want to continue playing hockey at the highest level. I could not be more excited to be signing my first contract with the Connecticut Whale. I want to say a huge thank you to the Whale team and organization for making it happen. I can’t wait to put the jersey on and represent the team.”

The 25-year-old forward added, “I always have the highest goals and it will not be different with the Connecticut Whale. I want to help the team win the Isobel Cup. On the international scene, I want to help our national team qualify for the Olympics. It might look far away but competing in the NWHL against incredibly talented players should help me further develop as a player and hopefully help the national team in the future.”

Connecticut Whale Announce Season Ticket Packages Available for Sale

The Whale also announced on Thursday, that season ticket packages for the 2018-2019 NWHL season have gone on sale. The team will once again play their home schedule at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Connecticut

The ticket packages which can be purchased at www.nwhl.zone/tickets, for 125 dollars for seven games gives fans benefits and discounts on the cost of the tickets and Whale merchandise sold at the arena, an exclusive meet and greet with the team and front of the line access to the post-game autograph session at all home games.

Whale to Host Neutral Site Game

The Whale are scheduled to host a neutral site game, which will be announced later in the summer. Whale season ticket holders will be given one complimentary ticket for every seat in their account. Travel costs will not be included in the deal.

The Whale are also introducing a Premiere Season Ticket Package, which costs 225 dollars for front row seating to all home games during the 2018-2019 season. Ryan Equale will return behind the bench for his second season with the Whale.

Minnesota Whitecaps Name Rhonda Curtin Engelhardt and Jack Brodt Co-Coaches

Speaking of coaching announcements, the NWHL’s newest franchise, the Minnesota Whitecaps announced on Thursday that former University of Minnesota and Whitecaps forward, Rhonda Curtin Engelhardt and Whitecaps co-founder, Jack Brodt will serve as co-coaches for the 2018-2019 NWHL season.

Engelhardt played for the Whitecaps from 2004 to 2006 following a great collegiate career at Minnesota. The two-time All-American, helped the Golden Gophers capture their first National Collegiate Athletic Association title in her freshman season, in 2000.

She was also a finalist for the 2002 Patty Kazmaier Award for top NCAA women’s hockey player, 2002 West Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year as well as 2002 and 2003 Defensive Player of the Year. For the past five seasons she has been the bench boss at Breck School, in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Engelhardt said, “I’m humbled to be a part of the Whitecaps, and I want to extend big thanks to all the people involved in getting the NWHL off the ground and giving players a chance to play after college. I’m excited for the opportunity to coach the Whitecaps and help lead a talented group. It will be important to build chemistry while maximizing each player’s skill set to best impact our team’s success. I’m looking forward to getting on the ice with the team and seeing what style works best for us.”

Brodt co-founded the Whitecaps in 2004 and played an important role in working with the NWHL to bring an expansion team to Minnesota. He has served as coach or co-coach since the team’s inception.

Brodt played right wing for Hamline University, in St. Paul, Minnesota from 1963 to 1967. He served as captain during his junior and senior seasons.

The two coaches will be joined behind the bench by assistant coach, Laura Slominski. The former Golden Gopher and Edina, Minnesota High School coach, was an original Whitecap. She guided Edina High to a record of 131-39-15 through 2016.

Brodt said, “Rhonda and Laura were great players for the Whitecaps in our very first season, and I’m proud to be working with such great hockey minds. The three of us are committed to building a team that Minnesota can be proud of, an exciting team that will compete for the Isobel Cup.”

The Whitecaps will open the 2018-2019 NWHL season at home as they face the defending Isobel Cup Champions, Metropolitan Riveters at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minnesota. Like the Whale, season tickets can be purchased at www.nwhl.zone/tickets.

Defending Isobel Cup Champs Metropolitan Riveters with Only Coaching Vacancy in the NWHL

The coaching announcement by the Whitecaps now leaves the Riveters with the only coaching vacancy in the league.