NWHL Newcomer of the Year Jonna Curtis Returns to Lead Defending Isobel Cup Champion Whitecaps
June 6, 2019 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Minnesota Whitecaps News Release
Jonna Curtis, who was a breakout sensation and the 2018-19 NWHL Newcomer of the Year, has re-signed with the defending Isobel Cup champion Minnesota Whitecaps.
"Last year was my first year with the NWHL and within that year, I felt the momentum for women's hockey had grown so much," said Curtis. "I just recently took the Isobel Cup back to my hometown and the amount of support and excitement around the NWHL and Minnesota Whitecaps was so thrilling to see. I want to continue to shine a light on our game for as long as I can. It's such a great experience and I couldn't be more excited to play for the Whitecaps again."
Curtis was an instant star in her first NWHL season, beginning her career with nine points in her first five professional games and earning VEDA NWHL Player of the Week honors in the second week of the season. She led the Whitecaps and all NWHL rookies with 20 points (8-12-20) on the season, a mark that was also tied for second overall. In the Whitecaps' inaugural NWHL season, she scored three game-winning goals, including the goal that essentially earned Minnesota the regular season title in a 2-1 win over the Boston Pride in the final weekend of the campaign. She was also selected to participate in NWHL All-Star Weekend in Nashville.
"I see myself as a hardworking player," said Curtis. "I'm not the most skilled or fastest player, but I love making plays and getting to the net."
The Elk River, Minnesota native has always had a knack for scoring, leading New Hampshire in goals and points in her final three collegiate seasons. She finished her career with 106 points (54-52-106) in 161 games for the Wildcats and was a two-time Hockey East All-Star Honorable Mention.
Prior to college, she set the Elk River High School record with 280 career points (156-124-280) and was a member of the Minnesota Jr. Whitecaps.
"Another big reason I wanted to play with the Whitecaps again is the history and the people behind it," said Curtis. "Their dedication to the grow the game and giving women a place to play after college is something I will forever be thankful for!"
In addition to playing in the NWHL, Curtis works as a product assurance engineer at 3M.
"My goal this season is to continue to be an offensive threat and be a reliable teammate in all aspects of the game," said Curtis. "For the team, my goal is to continue to have a fun yet hardworking team and ultimately take home the Isobel Cup again!"
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from June 6, 2019
- NWHL Newcomer of the Year Jonna Curtis Returns to Lead Defending Isobel Cup Champion Whitecaps - Minnesota Whitecaps
- Mary Parker Becomes Eighth Player to Sign with the Boston Pride for 2019-20 Season - Boston Pride
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