Connecticut Whale Sign Jessica Koizumi for 2016-17 Season

Jessica Koizumi (left). Credit: Troy Parla/NWHL

The Connecticut Whale announced on Wednesday that they agreed to terms on a contract with Jessica Koizumi for the 2016-2017 National Women’s Hockey Season.

Whale general manager, Lisa Giovanelli said that the team and Koizumi agreed to a deal worth 14,000 dollars to return to the Whale for the season. Koizumi, the captain of the Whale during the inaugural season, scored two goals and five assists last season, adding another assist in the team’s three Isobel Cup Playoff games.

Koizumi said, “I am excited to return to the Whale for year two. I am looking forward to join our core group from last season and welcoming the new additions.” She added, “Our last season was cut short with a disappointing playoff run and we have unfinished business in bringing the Isobel Cup to Connecticut. I hope our fans will follow us to our new venue in Northford because they are the best in the league.”

Koizumi took 6,500 dollars less than what she made last season, to remain with the Whale for another season. The Whale captain, was one of the first players to sign on during the inaugural season, as well as having one of the higher salaries in 2015-2016. She also helped the NWHL find players and funding as well.

The University of Minnesota-Duluth forward, captained the Bulldogs to the championship game of the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Frozen Four. She also won gold with Team USA, at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in China.

The Honolulu, Hawaii born and Simi Valley, California raised player scored the very first goal in NWHL history as he Whale team defeated the New York Riveters on October 11, 2015. Koizumi also played professionally with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women’s Hockey League and the Montreal Stars and Boston Blade of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.

She was able to capture the Clarkson Cup as champions of the CWHL, with the Blades, in 2013 and 2015.