NEW YORK – Colgate women's ice hockey senior forward Annika Zalewski was drafted by the defending NWHL Champion Buffalo Beauts with the 14^th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2017 NWHL Draft on Thursday, August 17.
 
"I am very excited to be drafted in the NWHL today," Zalewski said. "It would be an honor to continue my hockey career in the NWHL, and I'm excited for the opportunity to do so."
 
Zalewski becomes the first Raider to be selected in the NWHL Draft in program history and is slated to be third player to play in the league.
 
"We are very happy for Annika today," Colgate women's ice hockey head coach Greg Fargo said. "She's been a true professional throughout her Colgate career to this point and there is no doubt she'll be a great pro when she's ready to take that next step towards the NWHL. It's a very exciting day for her."
 
Former Raider Kiira Dosdall '09 is preparing for her third season in the NWHL with the New York Riveters while Kimberly Sass '12 signed with and played for the Buffalo Beauts for the inaugural season in 2015-16.
 
Zalewski has served as a captain for the Raiders since her sophomore season in 2014-15, becoming the first three-time captain in program history.
 
In her career, Zalewski has amassed 61 points behind 30 goals and 31 assists. Zalewski's 30 goals are the second most on the active roster and rank 15^th all-time in program history.
 
Last season, Zalewski netted 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points in all 36 games for the Raiders. Zalewski was also second on the team with four power-play goals while her +11 plus/minus rating was tied for third on the team.
 
Zalewski and the Raiders kick off the 2017-18 campaign with a six-game homestand beginning on Friday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. against the St. Cloud State Huskies at Class of 1965 Arena.