PWHL Toronto signs draft pick Izzy Daniel to two-year contract
One of the best players in college hockey has inked her first professional deal.
On Thursday, PWHL Toronto announced they had signed forward Izzy Daniel to a two-year contract.
She's no stranger to hardware 👀
We've signed 2024 Patty Kazmaier Award Recipient and PWHL Toronto Draftee Izzy Daniel to a two-year contract.
📰 https://t.co/aeSQpyEuQa pic.twitter.com/kHGvLPnAWa
Daniel was selected by Toronto in the third round, 18th overall, in the second PWHL Draft earlier this month. She joins the pro ranks after a fruitful collegiate career, playing five seasons with the prestigious Cornell University.
“We are excited to bring Izzy Daniel into our organization. Izzy has an incredible hockey IQ,” general manager Gina Kingsbury said in a release. “Her vision and spatial awareness make her a great puck distributor and allows her to make others around her better. We look forward to having her in our lineup for the next two seasons.”
The Minneapolis native joined the Big Red when they were a powerhouse program, but fell on some tough times after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, led by Daniel’s ability, Cornell rose back to the top of the college ranks, as the team made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
Daniel ended up leading her team with 21 goals and 38 assists this past season, with her 59 points sitting sixth-most in the country. Her efforts caught the eye of the rest of the nation, as she became the first player from Cornell to win the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best female player in college hockey.
“I’m super excited and honored to officially be a part of Toronto. I’m looking forward to experiencing the city and playing in front of the amazing fans,” Daniel said. “Toronto is a first-class organization, and I can’t wait to get to know my teammates and work with the staff.”
In 124 games with the Big Red, the former Blake School star scored 51 goals and 107 assists for 158 points.
Daniel is the fourth Toronto draft pick to have signed this summer. First-round pick Julia Gosling, along with Megan Carter and Raygan Kirk, have also been put their names on standard player agreements. The team now has 19 of a possible 23 contracts signed for the 2024-25 season.