The New York Riveters announced on Thursday that they have signed University of Wisconsin defenseman, Jenny Ryan to a contract for the 2017-2018 National Women’s Hockey League season.

The Riveters selected Ryan ninth overall in the 2016 NWHL Draft. The Victor, New York native was named a Second-Team All American by the American Hockey Coaches Association this past season.

“It was a huge honor to be drafted by the Riveters, and I am very excited to continue my hockey career as a professional,” said Ryan. “Hockey has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I am grateful for the opportunity that the NWHL presents. I have heard great things about the team and the coaching staff, so I could not be any happier.”

In 155 games with the Badgers over the past four seasons, she put up 19 goals and 65 assists. The First-Team All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association member, was a WCHA Scholar-Athlete in three of her four seasons.

Ryan will reunite in Newark, New Jersey with Wisconsin teammate Courtney Burke, who just re-signed with the Riveters on Wednesday.

“Courtney is an unbelievable player, even better friend and an amazing role model,” said Ryan. “She is really fun to watch play, and even more fun to play with, because she is so creative and sees the ice well.”

“Playing at Wisconsin was a dream come true and I would not take the experience back for anything,” added Ryan. “The coaches truly cared about me as a player. The friendships I made with my teammates will last a lifetime and I cannot imagine my life without them. From the Badgers atmosphere to the facilities, to the coaching staff and to the team, I could not have asked for a better college experience and I will miss it very much.”

While growing up, she played hockey on the boys’ teams with the Perinton Blades and Rochester Americans, prior to spending some time with the Rochester Edge girls’ program. Ryan then attended the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vermont.

“I am the only person in my family to have played hockey,” said Ryan. “My parents picked up the `Hockey for Dummies,’ book when I decided to pursue the sport. They learned with me and have been extremely supportive ever since then.”

With the signing of Ryan, the Riveters roster for the 2017-2018 is now at 14 players. Joining her in New York’s pursuit of the Isobel Cup will be:

• Goaltenders: Katie Fitzgerald and Sarah Bryant
• Defenders: Burke, Ashley Johnston and Kiira Dosdall
• Forwards: Tatiana Rafter, Rebecca Russo, Lauren Wash, Miye D’Oench, Alexa Gruschow, Julia Herr, Bray Ketchum and Lindsey Hylwa.