Moon Township, Pa. –
Former members of the
Robert Morris University women's hockey team, Morgan Beikirch, Brianne McLaughlin, and
Ashley Vesci, and current Director of Operations
Kelley Steadman, hoisted the 2016-17 National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) Isobel Cup victoriously Sunday evening, as the Buffalo Beauts defeated the Boston Pride, 3-2, in the 2017 Isobel Cup Final in the Tsongas Center, located in Lowell, Mass.
McLaughlin, a two-time U.S. Olympian and Robert Morris standout, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2016-17 Isobel Cup, following her career-high sixty-save performance in the Beauts championship win over the Pride. McLaughlin held Boston scoreless through 55:33 of action, allowing just two late goals in the third period.
"I couldn't ask for anything more," said McLaughlin on winning the Isobel Cup in her final game. McLaughlin announced recently that she plans to retire from professional hockey at the conclusion of this season with the Beauts.
Vesci was credited with an assist on Emily Janiga's goal in the first period that boosted the Beauts to a 2-0 lead.
It's been a special year for Steadman, as she helped the Robert Morris program to the 2016-17 College Hockey America (CHA) Regular-Season and Championship titles, and the first-ever NCAA Tournament berth for the Colonials program, in her role as Director of Operations. She also acted as a captain for the 2017 NWHL All-Star Game, which took place at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh.
Both Beikirch and Vesci are in their first season with the Buffalo Beauts, as the pair was named to the practice squad at the beginning of the year.
Twitter Tidbits:
The final seconds tick down and the Beauts celebrate their Isobel Cup Final victory
Your 2017 Isobel Cup Champions, the Buffalo Beauts
Brianne McLauglin is named Isobel Cup MVP
Brianne McLauglin set a new NWHL Isobel Cup final record.
Follow RMU Women's Hockey:
@RMUWHockey
@rmuwhockey
Robert Morris University Athletics
