Riveters Sign Courntey Burke to One-Year Contract

The New York Riveters announced on Thursday that signed Courtney Burke to a one-year contract worth 17,000 dollars for the 2016-2017 National Women’s Hockey League season.

Burke, the former captain of the University of Wisconsin Badgers, led all Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensemen in points, points-per-game and power play assists during her senior season last year. In 158 National Collegiate Athletic Association games, she scored 108 points (18 goals and 90 assists) with the Badgers.

Burke said, “I really like the opportunity the Riveters have provided me with. This opportunity will give me the ability to keep growing as a player. They are committed to making the best team possible and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Burke continued, “I am just as excited to start playing games and get the season going. It is awesome that we are able to prolong our careers beyond the college level now.”

The fourth overall pick of the Buffalo Beauts in the 2015 NWHL Draft, has played for USA Hockey at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as the 2015 under-22 series against Team Canada.

In accordance with the draft tax bylaws, the Riveters will have to forfeit 5,000 dollars from their salary cap to the Beauts as a result of signing one of their unsigned draft picks.

The unrestricted free agency period will continue through July 31, with the 2016 NWHL Draft taking place on June 18.