Astrup, Barnes, Rodgers and Schmid Signed by Whitecaps
November 4, 2020 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Minnesota Whitecaps News Release
SAINT PAUL - The Minnesota Whitecaps today announced the signing of forwards Nina Rodgers, Haylea Schmid, Lauren Barnes, and Lynn Astrup.
A native of Grand Forks, N.D., Astrup played at Warroad High before a successful career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she played 118 games between 2014 - 2018. She played both forward and D at UMD, and it is expected that she will primarily be used as a forward by the Whitecaps.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Whitecaps for the upcoming NWHL season," said Astrup. "I look forward to helping grow the game of women's hockey and inspiring the next generation of female players."
Barnes won the Isobel Cup in Minnesota in 2019 and is coming off an outstanding 2019-20 season with the Whitecaps, tying Schmid with 13 points on 2 goals and 11 assists in 24 games. ÃÂ The Minnesota native played at Mercyhurst and Minnesota State University. Barnes led the Mavericks in assists in both her sophomore and senior seasons and finished second in the WCHA in power-play points as a senior. Barnes played in the Frauen-Bundesliga with ERC Ingolstadt in 2014-15, leading the league in goals (33) and points (65).
"The Whitecaps have truly become family to me," said Barnes. "We've gone through so much together from winning the Isobel Cup, to advancing to the Cup Final in 2020 (canceled during the pandemic). This season will look completely different than anything we've ever seen. These women and coaches are people I admire and I am thankful to stand by them each day as we inspire the generations to come after us. To the fans: none of this would be possible without you! The State of Hockey continuously has shown up for us year after year and we can't thank you guys enough. ROLL CAPS!"
Schmid's 13 points last season were from 4 goals and 9 assists. She was also a member of the Whitecaps' Isobel Cup-winning team in their first NWHL season. Schmid played four seasons at St. Cloud State, posting 30 points (12-18-30) in 136 games for the Huskies.
"I'm looking forward to a fun year with the Whitecaps and fighting to bring the Isobel Cup back to the State of Hockey," said Schmid."
In her first season with the home state Whitecaps in 2019-20, Rodgers was 1-3-4 in 7 games. The two-time national champion with the University of Minnesota previously played for the Connecticut Whale and was the 17th overall pick of the 2015 NWHL Draft. She won two silver medals with the U.S. Under-18 Team at the 2013 and 2014 World Championships.
"I'm super excited to be a part of the NWHL and the Whitecaps once again," said Rodgers. "Especially during these uncertain times, I am so grateful for this opportunity to showcase our sport as well as being a role model for all of the youngsters out there. I can't wait for the first puck drop. To all of our fans, even if you aren't able to be there to cheer us on in-person, we know you're cheering "ROLL CAPS!" in spirit while watching on Twitch! Thank you for your continued support of our team and sport!"
Minnesota GM and co-head coach Jack Brodt said, "Haylea has been one of our best all-zone forwards, while Lauren's unstoppable enthusiasm and gritty play set the example for our whole team. Nina's stickhandling ability and accurate shot make her an important offensive weapon for us this season. And we are excited to welcome Lynn. She has outstanding speed and plays with great determination. This is a very important group of signings for the Minnesota Whitecaps."
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from November 4, 2020
- Astrup, Barnes, Rodgers and Schmid Signed by Whitecaps - Minnesota Whitecaps
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