BUFFALO, NY –  The Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) announced today the signings of Shelby Bram (Mercyhurst) and Tatiana Rafter (UBC), general manager Linda Mroz announced Thursday.

Credit: Mercyhurst Athletics

Bram, a graduate of Mercyhurst, played in more than 100 consecutive games for the Lakers, serving as assistant captain her senior season in 2014-15. Bram scored 109 points (31g, 78a) during her 4-year collegiate career, and finished as the Lakers third leading goalscorer in her final year.

Credit: NWHL

Bram received conference honors in 2014 when she was awarded the title of College Hockey America’s Best Defensive Forward and was named to the CHA’s All-Tournament Team. Bram was also an All-CHA First Team selection in 2013.

The Manitoba native previously played for the Eastman Selects, and participated in the 2011 Canada Winter Games, the 2011 Under-18 IIHF World Championships, and the Under-18 National Championships.

"Being able to play in the first paid professional women's league is incredible," Bram said, "On top of that, getting to play in one of the greatest hockey towns in the nation is truly a blessing. The Beauts are a perfect fit, I will represent them with nothing but professionalism, both on and off the ice."

"I will bring this team hard work, determination, and a fun and outgoing personality," she continued, "I will give this team 110% effort, while on our quest to become the first winners of the Isobel Cup." 

Credit: Hockey Canada

Rafter played five seasons for the University of British Columbia, becoming the first UBC Thunderbird to win Canada West Player of the Year in 2013-14. During that breakout season, the Winnipeg native was the Canada West conference scoring leader, netting 38 points (20g, 18a) in 28 games, leading UBC to a 20-win regular season for the first time in program history. Rafter led the league in goals, points, and power play goals, and was a dynamic force in short-handed and game-winning goals.

"I am excited to play for the Beauts because every time I lace up my skates I will be a part of history," Rafter said, "This organization's story is unwritten and it is a special thing to help create its beginning."

"I am excited to be a Beaut is because of the chance to impact young players that share the same dream as me," she continued, "I hope that by continuing to embrace my passion to play hockey it will inspire and motivate young women to continue to strive to be their best."

Credit: NWHL

Career marks for Rafter show her consistency. In her 5-year collegiate career, the forward scored 116 points (61g, 55a) during her time at UBC. Rafter was also a Second Team Canada West All-Star in 2014-15 and 2012-13.

In December of 2013, Rafter scored 15 points in seven games to help Canada win the gold medal at the FISU Winter Universiade in Trentino, Italy.

"I am the type of teammate that wears their heart on their jersey, so to speak," Rafter said, "I hope to bring a strong work ethic, lots of heart and leadership to the dressing room in Buffalo."

"Off the ice, I really want to able to give back to Buffalo after providing me with this amazing opportunity," she continued, "I hope that like NHL players in their cities, I will be able to spend some time in the community and do some charitable work."

Bram and Rafter are the fourth and fifth forwards to join the Beauts for the upcoming NWHL inaugural season. The Beauts will play their first home game of the season at HarborCenter on October 11th versus the Boston Pride.