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NCAA

2016 NWHL Draft prospect profile: Sydney Rossman

The CT Whale ink Quinnipiac’s Rossman

NWHL Draft Info

Selected to the Connecticut Whale, Goaltender Sydney Rossman was drafted in the fifth round with the 19th overall pick during the 2016 NWHL Draft. In just the second ever NWHL Draft, Rossman and teammate Emma Woods became the first ever Quinnipiac Bobcats selected in the NWHL Draft. After four years at QU, Rossman has signed a one-year contract with the Whale, looking to make improvements for the team between the pipes. After finishing in last place during the 2016-17 season and suffering a defeat to Boston in the playoffs, the Whale are looking to ensure that the upcoming season sees a stronger, more cohesive team. Strengthening the team starts in net and in order to find success on the ice, the Whale will rely on the goaltending talents of Rossman.

Rossman will be joining former QU players on the Whale roster, such as Kelly Babstock and blueliner Cydney Roesler. Babstock finished her first two seasons with the Whale with 19 goals and 22 assists in 35 games. She is also the all-time leader at QU in goals (95), assists (108), and points. Babstock’s offensive talent, coupled with the Rossman’s talent in net, could be the push that the Whale need to improve their standings following the 2016-17 season.

Career Highlights

After her time with QU, Rossman boasts 1.16 GAA, .938 save percentage, and a record of 52-13-11. Rossman’s impressive performance in net earned her the 2015-16 ECAC Goalie of the Year award as well as finalist for the ECAC Player of the Year. During the 2015-16 season, Rossman was also named to the ECAC Hockey First Team, the Most Outstanding Player of the ECAC Hockey Tournament and a New England Division I Women's Hockey All-Star. With the current QU record for shutouts (26), Rossman led the Bobcats to the ECAC Championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament during her junior year.

2016-17 News

QU finished the 2016-17 season 21-10-6 after falling to Princeton in the ECAC Hockey Tournament. Despite the loss, Rossman made an impressive 26 saves, giving her a total of 122 stops during the entirety of the three-game series versus Princeton. The 2016-17 Bobcats also finished their season with a program record for longest road winning streak (6 games) from November 28 to December 3, 2016.

Rossman finished her senior year with a strong performance in net for the Bobcats. Her talents are clearly set to grow as she transitions to the NWHL.

Quotes

On her signing with the Whale, Rossman stated, “I was hoping to play for the Whale this upcoming season, but it wasn’t a reality until I got that email. It’s really great to continue my hockey career at a high level.”

“The NWHL is all about the opportunity for women in pro sports. I’m excited to get a chance to be part of the league and help build its reputation in this early phase,” said Rossman on her enthusiasm for joining the NWHL and helping grow hockey for women.

Off the Ice

Rossman will be pursuing an MBA at QU while also coaching young goaltenders at Pro Crease Goaltending run by Quinnipiac’s men’s goaltending coach, Jared Waimon. Rossman hopes that her involvement with young goalies will also help promote hockey to young women:  “I hope to start a program at Pro Crease dedicated to coaching women goalies,” said Rossman.

Rossman’s dedication to the sport on and off the ice makes her an excellent addition to the Whale’s roster and her presence between the pipes should look to improve the all-around play for the Whale during the upcoming season.

Scouting Report

5’5’’ goalie who makes up for smaller stature with competitiveness and confidence to challenge shooters. Does a good job of squaring up and fighting off high shots. Really athletic as she tracks the play and has explosive ability for highlight reel saves.

Whale fans take a look and see her competitive style in action:

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