Buffalo Signs Star Defender Marie-Jo Pelletier to New Deal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 24, 2020

BROOKLYN – The Buffalo Beauts have re-signed defender Marie-Jo Pelletier, a Dalhousie, New Brunswick native who had an exceptional rookie season in the NWHL. Pelletier was named one of the NWHL Fans’ Three Stars of the Season and was selected to play in the 2020 All-Star Game.

Playing in all 24 regular season games, Pelletier went 6-15-21 for the Beauts. Her 21 points set a team record for defenders. Her 15 assists tied teammate Iveta Klimášová for most helpers in a season by a Buffalo skater. Her heroics were acknowledged by the women’s hockey media, which named her a finalist for the Newcomer of the Year Award.

“The NWHL has given me the opportunity to continue playing the game professionally and to be involved within the Buffalo community,” said Pelletier. “The fans in Buffalo have truly made me feel at home. The support around the league is incredible and I cannot wait to see what the sixth season will bring.”

During her first season, Pelletier assisted The Teacher's Desk, a not-for-profit organization providing free school supplies, books and teacher resources for 250 schools in Western New York. Known for her shot-blocking skills, Pelletier arranged to have money donated to The Teacher's Desk for each shot she blocked during the season.

The 4-11 defender was so highly regarded at the University of New Hampshire that she was voted a team captain by the end of her freshman season and remained a captain until the end of her collegiate career. In 143 games at UNH, the 4-11 defender had 13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points.

“MJ is the queen of blocking shots and is the entire package on and off the ice,” said Buffalo GM Mandy Cronin. “She is the pride of the Buffalo Beauts and we are so happy to have her back next season.”

Learn more about MJ by visiting her player page.

Photo credit: Michelle Jay

About the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)

Established in 2015, the NWHL was the first professional women’s hockey league in North America to pay its players. The mission of the league is to fuel the continued growth of the sport and brand of pro women’s hockey. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and a new team in Toronto set to debut in the league’s sixth season. Visit NWHL.zone and follow on Twitter and Facebook @NWHL and Instagram @NWHL.zone