Former Lindenwood women’s hockey player Taylor Girard is heading to the Connecticut Whale after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 National Women’s Hockey League Draft. 

Girard played at Lindenwood for three seasons, starting in 2016-17 where the forward was mainly featured as a center. She stayed in St. Charles until 2019, when she moved to Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut) to finish her college career.

As a member of the Lions, Girard competed in 66 games. She tallied 35 points, with 19 goals and 16 assists. The forward’s career highs all came in her second season (2017-18), finishing the year with 24 points, 13 goals, and 11 assists. 

She played two seasons at Quinnipiac following her stay at Lindenwood. In 2019-20, her junior season, Girard took part in 24 games, putting up 18 points, six goals, and 12 assists.

In her senior campaign, Girard scored seven goals and had nine assists for 16 points in 15 games. 

Throughout her college career, the Macomb, Michigan, native saw time at the center position but also was utilized out on the wings. 

This year’s NWHL Draft marks the first time in which Connecticut has had the first overall selection. In order to get the top pick, the Whale traded up with the Buffalo Beauts ahead of the draft.

The previous NWHL season ran from January to late March. The schedule for the upcoming campaign is yet to be released.