Leveille Returns to Minnesota, Joins the Whitecaps
June 18, 2018 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Minnesota Whitecaps News Release
Amanda Leveille is making a triumphant return to the State of Hockey.
The former University of Minnesota Gopher, an Isobel Cup champion with the Buffalo Beauts in 2017 and the NWHL Goaltender of the Year in 2017-18, has signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps for the upcoming season. Last month, the league expanded to Minnesota, with the Whitecaps becoming the league's fifth team.
"This has been an unbelievable time for women's hockey and the NWHL, and I couldn't be more excited to continue my professional playing career with the Whitecaps and to return to Minnesota - a community that means so much to me," said Leveille, 24. "I was fortunate enough to be at the press conference when they announced the Whitecaps were joining the NWHL, and I feel that having a team in the State of Hockey is fantastic for everyone - the fans, the players, the game and our league. There is a such a wealth of hockey talent in Minnesota that this team can draw from. To be a part of a new chapter in woman's hockey and to continue to grow the game is a privilege for me, and I can't wait to wear the Whitecaps uniform."
Said Whitecaps captain Winny Brodt Brown: "Especially in the playoffs, goaltending is such an essential position. In Lev, the Whitecaps have added one of the league's best goalies - an Isobel Cup winner who plays her best in the clutch. We're so happy that Amanda has returned to Minnesota to help lead us in our first season in the NWHL."
In addition to playing for the Whitecaps, Leveille works year-round training female goaltenders with Os Hockey Training in the Twin Cities. Although she is thrilled to join the Whitecaps, Leveille has fond memories from her time in Buffalo.
"I'm indebted to the Buffalo Beauts for drafting me and giving me an opportunity to play pro hockey for the past two years," said Leveille, a native of Kingston, Ontario. "Through my time there, I met some incredible individuals - my teammates, coaches, support staff, and the many amazing fans that made my time as a Beaut so enjoyable. Playing for the Beauts was really special and I will always cherish my time in Buffalo."
Ric Seiling, the former Buffalo Sabres forward who was Leveille's head coach with the Beauts, said of his goaltender, "We were very happy to have Lev as part of the Beauts. As the league expands, we understand that some players may want to move due to their life away from hockey. The Beauts and our staff thank Lev for her dedication and excellent goaltending, and we wish her success in Minnesota."
Amanda Leveille: Notable Accomplishments
At the University of Minnesota:
Leveille helped lead the team to four National Championship finals, winning three titles
Career record: 98-9-5, save percentage of .947, 32 shutouts
Career GAA of 1.18 is best in U of Minnesota history
Two-time All-USCHO Second Team honors, one-time Third Team
NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team
Named to WCHA All-Academic Team and Academic All-Big Ten honoree
In the NWHL:
Selected 12th overall in the 2015 NWHL Draft by Buffalo
Won Isobel Cup in 2017 with the Beauts
Member of Team NWHL in 2018
Captain at the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game in Saint Paul
2017-18 NWHL Goaltender of the Year
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from June 18, 2018
- Leveille Returns to Minnesota, Joins the Whitecaps - Minnesota Whitecaps
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