Can Gracie Gilkyson Make Impact for Torrent as Rookie?

Starring for the Yale Bulldogs, Seattle Torrent 50th-overall pick Gracie Gilkyson was a reliable, minute-eating top pair defender and power play quarterback going against Ivy League competition. In a lesser role during her PWHL rookie season, will she be able to adjust?

“She's a very complete player,” Yale assistant coach Erica Kromm said of Gilkyson. “She can be offensive, but she's also defensive. So I think [it’s important] for her to [continue] that.”

Gilkyson had nine goals and 27 points in 36 games in her senior year for Yale. That was a big step, as she had 31 points in 87 games throughout her first three seasons for the Bulldogs. In her last season, she commanded a huge role and blocked a team-leading 59 shots, stuffing the stat sheet in a myriad of ways.

“She really grew in terms of her defensive play and just her ability,” Kromm said. “She's really quick, so her ability to close time and space on players, have a good stick, make good contact: things like that really grew over her four years.”