As the first NWHL season was one defined by groundbreaking excitement, the second one has been defined early on by change. From the league retiring all its jersey designs, to a change of venue for two of its teams, adding to this sense of change is the fact that some familiar faces shall also be competing in new markets.
Among such a group of talented players suiting up for a new team for the sensational second NWHL season includes forward Corinne Buie. Signing with the Buffalo Beauts, which included a $1000 increase on her previous season’s compensation, she is among the Beauts high profile free agent signings, which also includes former Connecticut Whale forward Shiann Darkangelo.
Buie brings her skills to a sports market that is known for a loyal fan base whose dedication and loyalty to its sporting heroes should result in an appreciation of Buie’s efforts, transforming her into a fan favorite. Ready to contribute, Buie holds the potential to truly become an integral component of the Beauts’ leadership core. Also able to play a defensive minded game, she brings grit to a roster that lost the likes of Lindsay Grigg and Tatiana Rafter to free agency. Considering Buie’s championship experience, she is poised to enhance the presence of the Beauts offense, which is headlined by speedy Shelby Bram and All-World forward Meghan Duggan.
Having quietly assembled an impressive professional hockey career, propelling her into a rare class of women that have won both the Isobel and Clarkson Cups in a career, Buie combined a fundamentally sound approach to all aspects of the game, with the occasional flair for offensive brilliance. During the Pride’s inaugural season, Buie recorded seven points, while her powerful shot made her a threat whenever she was on the ice.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest moments of her career was gaining the assist on the Clarkson Cup clinching goal in 2015, which was actually scored by her former teammate at Providence, Janine Weber. Having also played in the 2016 Women’s Winter Classic, Buie is synonymous with the growing impact in professional women’s hockey.
Becoming the 11th player committed to the Beauts 2016-17 roster at the time of her signing, it was a visceral decision for the native of Edina, Minnesota. Coincidentally, her hometown would hold a special place in the transition to the newest chapter of her hockey career.
Before signing with the Beauts, Buie had the opportunity to spend a few days with the Isobel Cup, a privilege bestowed to all members of the Cup winning team. Passed on to her from Gigi Marvin, who was also raised in Minnesota, Buie brought the Cup to her family, before bringing it to spots in her hometown that held special meaning to her, including Braemer Arena and the Edina Historical Society. Passing it on to Marissa Gedman, whose father once played for the Boston Red Sox, the chance to spend a few days with the Cup brought pleasant closure to her time with the Pride as she ponders the future that includes a relocation to Buffalo,
“It was definitely a hard decision to leave Boston after a successful season with The Pride. Ultimately, I decided Buffalo was the best choice for my hockey career right now and I’m really looking forward to the season.”
Among the elements that Buie is looking forward to this season, one that stands out is the Beauts home rink. Calling HarborCenter home, the facility hosted the inaugural NWHL All-Star Game, plus the IIHF U18 Women’s Worlds in 2015 and the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Challenge. Including a restaurant, hotel, elite training facility and a hockey academy, it may very well be one of the finest facilities in all of women’s hockey.
“I am really looking forward to training and playing at HarborCenter, which is a great facility.”
With a reputation for both reliability and durability, Buie should also flourish under the tutelage of three-time Stanley Cup champion (and former NHL blueliner) Craig Muni, one of the newest additions to the Beauts coaching staff. While there is a tinge of irony in the fact that Buie is suiting up for the team that the Pride defeated in the inaugural Isobel Cup finals (which only adds to the infamy of the Buffalo Sports Curse), her strong on-ice vision and assiduousness shall make her a welcome presence for a team looking to remain part of the Cup conversation in 2017.
“I see myself as a contributing member of a team that won the Isobel Cup. I hope to contribute to Buffalo winning the Cup this Year.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Photo credit: Kaitlin S. Cimini
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