Shureb, Lewicki and Schroka Headed to the NWHL
The best line in Women's D3 Hockey is going big time.
Sarah Shureb, Kristin Lewicki and Kaylyn Schroka (Class of 2017) signed with the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League today, becoming the second, third and fourth former members of the Women's NCAA team to play for the Beauts.
The three graduated seniors were a force to be reckoned with this past season, putting up 86 goals and 101 assists for 187 combined points in the Women's NCAA Team's historic 2016-17 season.
Shureb, a native of Livonia, Michigan, put up a total of 102 points (46g-56a) in 108 games with the Bulldogs. She tallied a career high 25g-34a in her senior season with the Bulldogs, playing with her fellow seniors Lewicki and Schroka.
"Honestly, it is so rewarding getting to play women's professional hockey. Growing up, I always wanted to play professional hockey, I envied guys who got to play the greatest sport for a living," said Shureb, "As I got older, I realized it wasn't really an option for women. So then I always dreamed about starting a professional league for women. Four years ago, when I started at Adrian, I never imagined there would be a women's professional league or a chance to play after college, but then 3 shorts years ago, Dani Rylan made it happen. And definitely 1 year ago or even 4 months ago, I never thought I would be playing professional hockey with my two line mates from college. I am so excited to continue the journey of playing hockey and being apart of growing women's hockey, especially with a team who just came off from winning the Isobel Cup. I am also excited to prove as D3 players, we can compete at a higher level with the D1 players. It is going to be a lot of hard work to get to that next level, but I am excited to show what we can do and help the team to another Isobel Cup."
Lewicki, a Moundsville, West Virgina native, is the leader in career points, goals and assists with 90 goals and 89 assists for 179 points in 113 games with the Bulldogs. A two time All American, Lewicki is also a nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award this year.
"My general reaction to joining the Beauts/NWHL was pure excitement. I'm thrilled to be joining the Beauts organization and thankful for this opportunity to play in the NWHL," said Lewicki, "I'm honored that the Buffalo Beauts saw something in me and are giving me a chance to play the game I love at the next level. To be a part of the NWHL as it is growing is something I'm proud to say I am part of and very thankful for. Being able to join the process of helping build women's hockey will be a great experience and something I can cherish for a lifetime that not many women can say that, so helping spread the NWHL will be awesome to be part of. It is an awesome feeling to know you will be part of this and it truly means a lot to be able to join the NWHL since it's so new, but I am very excited and can't wait for the journey to start!"
Schroka, a Belleville, Michigan Native, captained the Bulldogs in her junior and senior seasons. Second all time in goals, assists and points behind Lewicki, Schroka tallied 69 goals and 80 assists for 149 points in 111 games played.
"It means a lot to me, almost indescribable," said Schroka, "when I was playing youth hockey I never thought this opportunity would arise for women. Now that it is here going on its third year I am beyond grateful I get to be apart of the organization and be a part of the growth of women's professional hockey!"
Hannah McGowan, former captain and class of 2015 graduate, was the first Adrian College Women's NCAA alum to go pro, she also played for the Beauts and made history as a part of the inaugural team in 2015-16.
"I am extremely proud of all three players , I look forward to watching them pursue their dream of playing hockey professionally," said Adrian Head Coach Chad Davis, "It is amazing they will all get to start playing together in Buffalo. I look forward to watching them play!"
"First off, I would like to congratulate all three on signing pro contracts which is tremendous feat in itself and says a lot about how good of players they are," said Bulldogs Assistant Coach Shawn Skelly, "It was an honor to have the chance to coach them for their senior year and make it to the team's first National Championship game. Having the ability to witness some of the best chemistry between a trio of players I have ever seen was a treat for myself and Chad on a daily basis. All three of them worked very hard on and off the ice to become the best line in college hockey. I caught myself multiple times during games this season just mesmerized by the things they would pull off to score goals. I think the best thing about this trio of girls I noticed while coaching them is how well they represented Adrian College off the ice within the community and around campus. Can't say enough great things and wish them the best of luck this upcoming year!! Bulldogs Forever!!"
You can find Buffalo merchandise and their schedule at nwhl.zone.