Pride Add Another Strong Rookie in Capistran

 The Pride's record-breaking season has continued into the offseason, as they announced Thursday they had signed yet another of their 2020 NWHL Draft Selections, bringing the total picks signed up to 5, both the most in franchise and league history for a single draft class. This time around, it is 30th Overall Selection and Northeastern alum Paige Capistran who got the call.

The 22 year old Manchester, New Hampshire native is an elite shutdown defender, who tallied a grand total of 4 goals and 26 assists across 4 seasons with the Huskies. But the Pride didn't draft her for her offensive prowess. According to Nayan Patel's win share metrics, Capistran ranked in the 99th percentile as a senior in defensive impact across the entire country, contributing 1.9 wins to the Huskies' dominant season in her own zone alone. The intangibles Capistran brings to the table are equally as important.

Capistran was the Huskies' captain as a senior, and GM Karilyn Pilch told me that she had multiple coaches call her to exclaim that she NEEDED to select Paige because of the type of person she is. They believe Capistran has unlimited potential because of her work ethic and ethos – she’s just an outstanding person. In a locker room that preaches culture above all else, this cannot be overlooked. Capistran is exactly what a team looks for in a modern shutdown defender - smooth skater, intelligent, and proficient in transition. She fits a similar mold to two of her new teammates in Jenna Rheault and Lauren Kelly. This leaves 4th Round Selection Taylor Turnquist as the only remaining player from the Pride's 2020 Draft Class who has yet to be signed. Stay tuned to Pride Diehards (@PrideDiehards on Twitter) for any additional signings and news out of our favorite women’s professional hockey team.