NCAA graduate Casey Traill became the first British player to be drafted into the NWHL last evening.
In the five-round draft held on June 29, 2021, Buffalo opted to select the GB player 25th overall in the final round.
The NWHL draft is open to all NCAA and U SPORTS players who have consumed all of their post-secondary athletic eligibility OR players graduating from a University or other comparable educational institute resulting in a Degree or Certification acknowledged in the United States or Canada.
It was only the second time the NWHL Draft included players who are collegiate graduates and the first that the draft was broadcast live on Twitch.
To put this achievement into some context, just eleven players from Europe have featured in the NWHL through the history of the league’s existence
The only comparable situation is that of Natasha Fryer, who was born in England and moved to Canada as a child. Fryer played for the Brampton Thunder of the now-defunct CWHL in 2014-15.
A native of South Shields, England, Traill has spent the majority of her playing career to date outside of the British Isles.
In four years spent at Castleton University, not only has she impressed on the ice but also proven an excellent student.
The 22-year-old was named to the NCAA Division 3 Third Team All-Conference and awarded conference academic honours in each of her four years with the Vermont-based university.
Traill has appeared in 93 games for the Spartans and was ever-present for the last three seasons.
Adept at slotting into defensive and forward roles, she is more know for playing from the blue line.
The 22-year-old has registered thirteen goals and 33 points through her NCAA career and played on both special teams for Castleton.
This past season, Traill was the recipient of the Mary Ellen Evans Award, which is given annually to an outstanding female student-athlete who has played four years in one sport while also providing service to the college community.
Castleton’s #4 also served as team captain in 2020-21 and it’s the first time someone from the program has been selected in the NWHL draft.
At the international stage, Traill has represented Great Britain in four campaigns at the U18 level.
She has recorded six goals and nine points through a combined 19 games. During the 2017 Disivion 1B World Championships, Trail was named the best player on the team.
At the senior level, Trail has represented GB at three World Championships, attaining a bronze and two silver medals.
Through fifteen games she has contributed a goal and three assists for four points.
James Ashton has coached Casey Traill for Great Britain at both U18 and senior women levels in the last five years.
He had this to say about Casey and her achievement in being drafted to the NWHL.
“Casey has always been a player and person who is committed, studies hard and always gives her best on the ice. Her commitment to wanting to be the best she can be in a hockey world where there are not many opportunities sets a shining example for all young British female players.
Casey’s success is a credit to her hard work and I would like to congratulate her on achievements both in the hockey world and academically.”
The Buffalo Beauts call North Center home and play out of Amherst, New York.
Their head coach is Rhea Coad, who steps up to that position after previously holding an associate coaching role with the team.
The Beauts are consistently one of the best teams in the NWHL.
Last season’s COVID impacted tournament aside, Buffalo has made the championship final in four straight years.
Buffalo won the Isobel Cup in 2016-17 and will be looking to get back to the final in 2021-22.
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