February 4, 2009

Hurley Makes AAHA History

Former Clarkson University Women’s Hockey All-American Kira Hurley ’07 became the first female goaltender in the history of the All American Hockey Association (AAHA) when she was signed recently by the Evansville IceMen.

Hurley is a 24 year old, 6 foot, 155 pound goaltender for Toronto. She was a four year starter at Clarkson from 2003-07. She led the Golden Knights to the ECAC Hockey playoffs each of the three years the team was eligible. Hurley was named an All American following her Junior season, as well as received All Conference honors and Top Goalie honors. She holds Clarkson's Women's goaltending statistical records for both career and single season. She also holds the NCAA record for shut outs in a season with 10.

After finishing up her collegiate career, Hurley signed with the Mon. Valley Thunder of the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League in 2007. When the MAHL folded she went back to Canada to play for former NHL'er Shawn Antoski with the Marmora Lakers of the Ontario Senior Men's AAA Hockey Association. By playing with the Lakers she became the first women to ever play in a league known as the "top level of amateur hockey in Canada."

Hurley becomes one of just a handful of women, including goaltenders Manon Rheaume and Erin Whitten, who have played on men's professional teams at a minor league level. In 2003, Hayley Wickenheiser joined Salamat of the Finnish Second Division and became the first woman to record a point in men's professional hockey, finishing the regular season with one goal and three assists in 12 games.

General Manager Chip Rossetti was excited about the signing. "This is great for our team, the Association, and hockey in general. We have said from the beginning that we were working to put together a Championship team, and we feel that Kira can help us get there."