Whitecaps Sign Amy Menke, Sadie Lundquist, Lauren Barnes, Emma Stauber & Julie Friend
August 22, 2018 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Minnesota Whitecaps News Release
In preparation for their first season in the NWHL, the Minnesota Whitecaps have signed the following five players who have been part of their organization in recent seasons: forwards Amy Menke and Sadie Lundquist, forward-defender Lauren Barnes, defender Emma Stauber and goaltender Julie Friend.
The 23-year-old Menke enjoyed an impressive collegiate career at the University of North Dakota from 2013-2017. In 146 games, the Shakopee, Minn. native had 50 goals and 58 assists for 108 points.
After playing for the Whitecaps last season, she joined Djurgårdens IF of the SDHL for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. In 9 games in Sweden, Menke was 5-3-8. She has also been a member of the U.S. National U18 Team and participant in USA Hockey training camps.
"I expect our team to make a statement right off the bat, proving we belong in the league," said Menke. "Even though it's our inaugural season, the talent on our team will show we shouldn't be taken lightly. Personally, I hope to bring some North Dakota grit to our team and add offensive depth."
Lundquist played four years at Bemidji State, has participated in Red Bull Crashed Ice competitions and represented the Whitecaps in the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game in Minnesota in February.
"It's an exciting time to be a women's hockey player, especially in Minnesota," said Lundquist, from Cloquet, Minn.
"Last winter, the State of Hockey showed overwhelming support for the NWHL All-Star Game here in Saint Paul. It was incredible to take part in it and I cannot wait to experience that continued passion from the community this season. Thank you to the Whitecaps and the NWHL for this opportunity to continue playing and growing the game!" Over her collegiate career from 2010-2014 at Mercyhurst (one season) and Minnesota State (three), Barnes was 12-50-62 in 128 games.
"I am honored to be playing post-college professional hockey right here in my home state, which many players don't get the opportunity to do," said Barnes, from Burnsville, Minn.
"I'm also thrilled to be part of a group of girls who are dedicated to helping grow the game and inspire the youth to dream big. We have a goal of and challenging each other to get better in order to win the Isobel Cup. Along with playing games, I'm excited to get out and interact with our amazing fans! Roll 'Caps!!!"
Stauber, a native of Duluth, played the 2015-16 season with HV-71 of the SDHL after an outstanding career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she played 142 games. Friend, from Minnetonka, played goal at St. Cloud State from 2011-2015 and for DEC Salzburg Eagles in the EWHL in the 2015-16 season.
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Premier Hockey Federation Stories from August 22, 2018
- Taylor Wasylk Joins the Boston Pride - Boston Pride
- Whitecaps Sign Amy Menke, Sadie Lundquist, Lauren Barnes, Emma Stauber & Julie Friend - Minnesota Whitecaps
- Shannon Doyle Returns for Fourth Season with the Connecticut Whale - Connecticut Whale
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