CASTLETON, Vt. - Casey Traill, formerly of Castleton women's ice hockey, was drafted by the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League Tuesday night, making history as the first player in program history to be selected. Proudly representing her hometown of South Shields, England, Traill is also the league's first draftee from the UK. 

Buffalo selected the former Spartan blueliner in the fifth round with the 25th overall pick, making her the second Division III athlete taken in the 2021 draft. The franchise has one NWHL title under its belt and holds the most championship game appearances with four. 

Traill served as a captain during the 2020-21 season as she wrapped up an impressive college career that featured 13 goals and 20 assists in 93 games, while leaving a tremendous mark on Castleton's program. "Casey was a vital piece of this program's puzzle for four years," said head coach Tim McAuliffe. "She has it all: work ethic, attitude, skating ability, hockey IQ, and most importantly, grit." 

Traill received Third Team All-Conference honors in two consecutive seasons after being named to the NEHC's All-Rookie squad as a first-year. She also landed on the NEHC All-Academic Team in each year of eligibility. "I couldn't be more proud of Casey and the way she has represented Castleton - I truly can't think of a more deserving person," McAuliffe added. 

Castleton was one of seven programs to be represented for the first time in the 2021 NWHL Draft. Click here to view the full results.