Casey blazes a Traill to the NWHL

Great Britain Women’s Casey Traill says she’s proud to represent the country after becoming the first player to be drafted to the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL).

The 22-year-old has been picked up in the fifth round – 25th overall by Buffalo Beauts and is the next exciting of her career after spending the last four years with Castleton University in the NCAA.

She was naturally delighted by the news and believes she won’t be the last British player to tread this path.

“Having the opportunity to be drafted to any team in the NWHL is an absolute honour, ” Traill said. 

With our 5th-round pick, at 25th overall the #Beauts have selected from @CastletonWhky defender Casey Traill (@CaseyTraill) ??

Casey is the first British player in @NWHL history to be drafted.

Congratulations Casey! Welcome to #FortBeaut! ??? pic.twitter.com/lRJv1tJ9yy

— Buffalo Beauts (@BuffaloBeauts) June 29, 2021

“It’s definitely been a long journey for me, but I could not be more proud to represent British hockey on such a big platform.

“I’m extremely grateful to Buffalo for taking a chance on me and hope that I can deliver for them both on and off the ice in the future.

“I may be the first British woman drafted but I know for a fact that I won’t be the last. I’m excited to see what the future has in store, not only me, but for the other British players following as well.”

Traill, who hails from South Shields began her career playing for Newcastle, Whitley, Billingham and Kingston before moving in 2015 to join the Ontario Hockey Academy.

She graduated from Castleton, situated in the state of Vermont, in the summer and played over 100 games for them in her four-year stay there.

Traill has also played for GB national team, where she’s been capped 18 times since making her debut in 2016.

Now she wants to help to inspire others as well as make those who have loved and supported her journey prouder along the way.

“I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today without the love and continued support from my family, friends and coaches and I look forward to hopefully continuing to make them proud,” Traill added.

“My goal is to inspire other British players to continue to play and push boundaries, even when they think nobody is looking our way because you never know when or how your chance will come.”