Beauts sign 2018 Rookie of the Year Hayley Scamurra

The Buffalo Beauts have made the first signing of the 2018 NWHL offseason. Hayley Scamurra, the 2018 NWHL Rookie of the Year, is returning to Buffalo.

From the Beauts’ press release:

“We’re excited to add a local player that has proven she can be a star in our league,” said General Manager Nik Fattey. “Hayley was a key component in our offense last season and is extremely hard to play against. She has many of the qualities that we are looking for in a top player: she works hard every shift, has skill, and is a great teammate.”

As you might have noticed in the quote above, the Beauts also have a new general manager. Nik Fattey is the Vice President of the HarborCenter as well as the Director of Hockey Operations. Pegula Sports and Entertainment owns the HarborCenter and bought the Beauts on Dec. 21, 2017, so there’s certainly a connection there.

Scamurra led the Beauts in scoring last season despite missing two games. She also led her team in goals (7) and shots on goal (63). Scamurra was one of two Team NWHL skaters to score a goal against Team USA in January and was the co-MVP of the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game in Minnesota.

The Beauts selected Scamurra in the third round of the 2016 NWHL Draft (10th overall). Including playoff games, the Northeastern University alumna has 20 points in her NWHL career to date. Scamurra will be turning 24 in December and hails from Williamsville, NY.