This is a very exciting day for Riveters Nation as two major signings have taken place over the last couple days. The Metropolitan Riveters have re-signed defenseman Kelsey Koelzer and added former Buffalo Beaut Kristin Lewicki.

Koelzer, 23, finished up her rookie season with 15 points (6 G 9 A). It was a very solid campaign for her, since she made an impact almost immediately for the Riveters. She has the hardest shot in the NWHL as proven in the all-star weekend skills competition, and also scored four goals in the game and won co-MVP.

Koelzer is now the sixth defensemen to sign with Metropolitan this offseason, and it appears likely she will be paired with Michelle Picard. This signing is monumental for hopes of a championship repeat. She will need to have another huge season both offensively and defensively if she wants to keep the puck out of Katie Fitzgerald’s net and in the opponent’s net.

Lewicki is the league’s fastest skater. Also 23-years old, she edged out Rebecca Russo by less than a second during the skills competition, and will now be joining the same squad. It is very likely that they could be put on the same line together, and there is not a single line or pairing in the NWHL that will be able to keep up with those two on the same unit.

She had a good rookie season scoring five goals and tacking on two assists, while also managing three points in the all-star game (2,1). She leaves a Buffalo Beauts team that finished as the runner-up last season, and is priming themselves to return to the Isobel Cup final for a fourth straight year. Now, Lewicki is hoping to help the defending champions also return and pick up her first cup in just her second season.

Be on the lookout for more Riveters news as we approach the second to last month of the season.