Haley Mack Makes NWHL Debut, Scores Shootout Winning Goal For Minnesota Whitecaps

Haley Mack Whitecaps

PHOTO CREDITS: Michelle Jay

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, former Bemidji State University women’s hockey forward Haley Mack made her professional debut with the National Women’s Hockey League’s Minnesota Whitecaps.

Mack was in the Whitecaps starting lineup wearing the same number she wore when she played for the Beavers. Alongside #19 was Stephanie Anderson, another former Beaver from the class of 2016. Mack was drafted 23rd overall by the Minnesota Whitecaps in the 2020 NWHL Draft. For Anderson, who wears the #18, the 2021 season is her second with Minnesota. She put up 10 points in 22 games during the 2019-20 season.

Stephanie Anderson

Minnesota Whitecaps celebrate their win in Lake Placid, NY on Jan 23, 2021. (Michelle Jay)

The Whitecaps won the first game 2-1 over the Boston Pride, the team they had hoped to play against for the 2020 Isobel Cup, but Covid-19 ended the season short of the Championship game.

On Sunday, Mack and Anderson were in the Minnesota Whitecaps starting lineup for the second straight game against the newest member of the six team league, the Toronto Six.

Mack scored her first career goal in the final 12 seconds of the second period to inch Minnesota back within two goals. Mack’s goal was assisted by two former Minnesota Gophers Sydney Baldwin and Meghan Lorence. The Whitecaps eventually tied up the game 5-5, and after a no decision through a five minute 4 on 4 overtime, the game was decided in a 5 round shootout where Haley Mack scored the deciding goal for Minnesota.

Haley Mack Shootout Goal

Minnesota Whitecaps forward Haley Mack celebrates her game winning shootout goal in Lake Placid, NY on Jan 24, 2021. (Michelle Jay)

Haley Mack Celebrates Win

Minnesota Whitecaps forward Haley Mack celebrates her game winning shootout goal in Lake Placid, NY on Jan 24, 2021. (Michelle Jay)

The Whitecaps have a record of 2-0 to start the season. Minnesota’s next game is Tuesday, January 27th when they’ll face off against the Metropolitan Riveters at 5:30 p.m. EST. All games this season are being played at the 1980 Rink-Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York as the NWHL teams are restricted to a bubble for the entire 2021 season.

Click HERE for more information about the NWHL.

To watch NWHL games on Twitch, click HERE. The two Isobel Cup Semifinal games and the Isobel Cup Final will be aired by NBCSN for fans in the U.S. and will be globally streamed on Twitch.