BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts have signed goaltender Kelsey Neumann and forwards Kristin Lewicki and Emma Ruggiero to contracts for the upcoming NWHL season.
“The Beauts organization is very excited to have all three players back,” said Buffalo associate head coach Rhea Coad. “The NWHL Foundation Award describes Emma as a human to a T. Her personal drive and commitment to the team are admirable. Wheels (Lewicki) brings a lot of speed up front, and her smarts and aggression set her apart. Neumann’s ability, work ethic and hockey knowledge are why we wanted her back, and her positivity makes her a fan favorite.”
Lewicki is set to begin her fourth season in the NWHL and her third as a member of the Beauts. She averaged a point per game in 2019-20 with six points (2-4-6) in six regular season games after joining the team late in the season. She also had an assist in Buffalo’s play-in game against Connecticut.
Ruggiero was the Beauts’ recipient of the 2019-20 NWHL Foundation Award and played in ten games last season. Known for her great speed, Ruggiero was utilized often on Beauts specialty teams and could see an expanded role in the upcoming season.
This will be Neumann’s fourth season with Buffalo and in the NWHL. The 2016-17 NWHL Foundation Award winner, Neumann won the Isobel Cup with the Beauts that season. Last season she went 3-3-1 in net. On Nov. 19, 2019, Neumann was named the VEDA NWHL Player of the Week after she made 41 saves in a 3-1 win over Connecticut.
(Cover photo: Janet Schultz Photography)
(3 story photos provided by NWHL.com)
