Pride Waste Little Time, Ink #1 Overall Pick Davis
It took Sammy Davis very little time to decide that she wanted to play hockey after ending her college career.
Mere days after the Boston Pride pulled off a blockbuster deal in order to move up and ensure they would be able to draft the Pembroke native, Davis has agreed to terms on her first professional contract.
"I’m very grateful that the Boston Pride made me the first overall pick in the NWHL Draft, and I’m excited to officially sign with the team to play pro hockey in my favorite city," said the 23 year-old Davis via the league's press release.
Davis was well worth the price the Pride paid in order to draft her. During her five years at Boston University (she missed a full year due to undergoing a double hip surgery), she tallied 66 goals and 76 assists for 142 points in 145 games. After missing her initial junior season due to the aforementioned injury, she exploded offensively.
Given the captaincy as a redshirt junior, she lead Hockey East with 25 goals, and finished only behind teammate Jesse Compher in conference scoring with 52 points. This past year, she lead the team in all categories with 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 36 games. In her time at BU, she captured the 2018-19 Beanpot MVP and was a Hockey East First Team All-Star. She also suited up for the United States in the 2015 IIHF U-18 Championships. As an alternate captain, she tallied two goals and an assist in the team's five games in route to a gold medal.
Long-time BU Head Coach Brian Durocher was extremely complimentary of his star player. "In Sammy, the Boston Pride are getting a person of character and ability who will embrace the challenge of professional hockey," he said. "Our program is extremely proud of Sammy and we’re excited to watch her excel at the next level."
General Manager Karilyn Pilch, who was a part of the team staff at Boston University during Sammy's first three seasons with the Terriers, has been unable to contain her excitement over the past few days. "As talented and determined as Sammy is on the ice, her selflessness and leadership make her a perfect fit for the team we are building for Boston," said Pilch. "There is no doubt in our minds that as she is challenged by her teammates and the competition across the NWHL, Sammy’s game will continue to develop and she will reach even higher levels as a player."In addition to (hopefully) tearing apart the NWHL in her rookie season, Davis will also be pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy at BU.
Recognized as a Hockey East Distinguished Scholar, she graduates this spring with her Masters Degree in Special Education.Can I be Sammy Davis? I think I want to be Sammy Davis.Davis marks the first of the 6 2020 NWHL Draft Picks made by the Pride to sign with the team. Stay tuned to Pride Diehards for continuing coverage throughout the summer as the rest (hopefully) join her.