BUFFALO - - Former women's ice hockey player Brooke Stacey signed a professional contract with the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League on Friday.

"Brooke is a force to be reckoned with, and she has proven that playing at both the college and national levels," said Beauts general manager Mandy Cronin. "Not only does she have a knack for finding the back of the net, but she is also a leader on and off the ice, which is incredibly important to the Buffalo Beauts organization. We are very excited to welcome Brooke to the NWHL."

Stacey played four years at Maine from 2014-2018. During her senior season, she finished second on the team in points with 30 points on 13 goals and 17 assists in 36 games. As a junior, Stacey finished tied for first on the team in points with 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) and was selected as a Hockey East All-Star Honorable Mention.

Before Maine, Stacey won gold with U18 Team Canada at Nationals. In 2017, she played for Team Canada at the Nations Cup.

"I wanted to join the NWHL and the Buffalo Beauts because of the great opportunity presented to me," said Stacey. "I wanted to be part of a league that has played a vital role in advancing women's hockey."

Brooke joins a group of former Maine players with time in the NWHL, including Audra Richards and Cailey Hutchison who played for the Metropolitan Riveters last season and Mariah Fujimagari who signed with the Beauts last week, as well as Harrison Browne who retired from the league in 2018.

-UMaine-