South Surrey goaltender Hillary Pattenden is Alberta-bound after being selected first over all in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League this month.
Pattenden, 21, becomes the first goaltender ever chosen first in the CWHL draft. The CWHL was founded in 2007, and includes six teams – the Alberta Honeybadgers (based out of Calgary), Ottawa Senators, Phenix du Quebec (Quebec City), Toronto Aeros and Vaughan (Ontario) Flames.
“It’s a true honour to follow in the footsteps of accomplished Olympians such as Tessa Bonhomme and Meghan Agosta as first pick overall in the CWHL,” Pattenden said in an interview posted to the CWHL official website.
“When I look at the top players in this year’s draft, I’m humbled to be in their company and to have been selected first overall by Team Alberta. I appreciate the confidence they have in me. It’s an opportunity I do not take lightly as I prepare for my next steps out of college; personally, academically and professionally.”
Pattenden has played the last four seasons at Mercyhurst College, and leaves the college hockey ranks as the NCAA’s winningest goaltender, with 99 career wins.