NEW YORK—Maine Women's Ice Hockey senior Cailey Hutchison was drafted into the National Women's Hockey League by the Metropolitan Riveters on Thursday.
 
Hutchison, an assistant captain this season, was drafted in the fifth round with the 21st pick in the draft.
 
"Cailey has been a player that has constantly developed every year and works relentlessly on the ice and in the weight room," head coach Richard Reichenbach said.
 
"She has worked her way up the lineup and is player who can play against other teams' top players, and consistently plays well defensively and creates offense. She has been an important key to our program having its recent success."
 
"Every time we have alumnae in the NWHL it is an honor for our program. We are excited to have our third alumni join the Riveters," added Reichenbach.
 
The Hicksville, New York native returns to the Tri-State with the Riveters, based out of
Newark, New Jersey. Hutchison has eight goals and 17 points in 114 games in her career at Maine.
 
Hutchison becomes the third Maine player to be a part of the Riveters, joining Audra Richards, a 2016 graduate, leads the team in goals with six, and is a 2018 All-Star.
 
Harrison Brown, a 2015 graduate, was a member of the Isobel Cup Championship team for the Riveters in 2017-18 before retiring. Also in the NWHL is goaltender Brittany Ott (2013), playing for the Boston Pride.
 
"Since the start of the NWHL it has been my goal to play for the Riveters and I am thankful to have this opportunity. I am looking forward to being a part of an organization where I can help grow women's hockey and inspire young girls to follow their dreams."
 
Hutchison and the rest of the Black Bears return to action on January 5 and 6, when the team hosts Boston University.
 
-UMaine-