Former University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey player Meghan Huertas has signed with the Connecticut Whales of the National Women's Hockey League for the remainder of the 2016-17  season.

Huertas played two years with the Bulldogs after transferring to UMD as a junior, and compiled 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in 72 skates at UMD. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native played in the Junior Women's Hockey League as a member of the North American Hockey Academy prior to attending the University of Vermont for two seasons. 

"I'm excited to join the NWHL and proud to become a member of the Connecticut Whale," said Huertas. "It's an opportunity to achieve my dream of playing professional hockey and competing with and against some of the best players in the world.  I want to thank the University of Minnesota Duluth for an amazing college program and helping me reach my goals and dreams."

Huertas will join the Whale this week, and will face former Bulldog teammate Zoe Hickel, who plays for the Boston Pride, on Jan. 15.  Huertas is the second UMD alum to suit up for Connecticut, as current Ohio State University associate head coach Jessica Koizumi skated for the Whales prior to her retirement this past fall.