Riveters re-sign Rebecca Morse, Pride sign Heather Schwarz

The New York Riveters re-signed defender Rebecca Morse earlier today. Morse played in seven games with the Riveters last season in addition to two preseason games against Team Russia. Morse, a New Jersey native from Westfield, developed her game with the New Jersey Colonials Girls program before attending high school and playing college hockey at Providence.

On a Riveters team that struggled to stay healthy early last year Morse played in six games before the start of the New Year. She picked up one assist and registered five shots in her first seven games as a Riveter. Taylor Holze was the only Riveters practice player who dressed for more games in 2016-17.

“Because I was a practice player last season, I feel as though I still have a lot to prove,” Morse admitted in the league’s press release. “No one would prefer to watch games from the stands, but I really enjoyed pushing my teammates in practice and sharing in our success. Fortunately, I was able to help the team when we had injuries and play in number of games. My goal is to earn a more consistent role in the lineup this season.”

With Morse signed Chad Wiseman has another familiar face to work with on a deep, talented blue line. Morse is the seventh defender to agree to terms with New York, and the sixth returning defender from last season.

The @NYRiveters 2017-18 defense:
M. Picard - K. Koelzer
C. Burke - J. Ryan
Stretch - K. Dosdall
R. Morse (LHD)

— Mike Murphy (@DigDeepBSB) September 5, 2017

In other NWHL news the Pride signed undrafted college free agent Heather Schwarz. Schwarz played her college hockey at Syracuse University and is coming off of a strong senior season. Off the ice Schwarz is a certified personal trainer in Boston’s financial district.

“Not only do I  get to continue playing hockey as a professional, but being in a city  like Boston is very exciting,” Schwarz shared in the NWHL’s press release. “I’ve played with and against some of the women on the Pride throughout my hockey career. I’m proud to be part of their team. I'm excited for the opportunity to play in Boston again and to have my parents and loved ones watch me play  professional hockey.”

Schwarz was the captain and MVP of the Boston Shamrocks of the JWHL before attending Syracuse. She finished her college career with 51 points in 141 games and is tied for sixth all-time in program history in game winning goals.

With Schwarz signed the Pride now have as many players under contract for next season as the Beauts. Boston has just four possible roster spots left to fill, but Thomas Poeck and company might choose to leave a few spots open for returning Olympians.