Hockey player Kimberly Brown was on the verge of playing in Sweden until a pro team next door came knocking.
The Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League signed Brown (BKin '19), who recently graduated from Brock University and played five seasons with the women's hockey team, as a free agent recently.
"I was pretty set on going to Europe." said Brown. "I figured there was no better time than coming right out of university to go and play abroad, while being able to travel and experience a new culture, but when the opportunity with the Beauts came up it was honestly a no-brainer. I'm happy that I'll stay in Niagara for another year and still be around Brock Women's Hockey too."
Last season, Brown registered four goals and seven points in 23 games, including two game-winning goals.
The Beauts, who play in Amherst, New York, were one of the first four franchises to make up the NWHL. Buffalo is a power to be reckoned with as they've reached the league finals every year since the league began in 2015, including winning a championship in 2016-17.
Buffalo general manager Mandy Cronin said she couldn't pass up what the 23-year-old winger brings to the table.
"Kim radiates professionalism on and off the ice," said Cronin. "With her strong shot, quick feet, and natural lead-by-example presence, she will have a big impact on our Beauts team this season."
Badgers head coach Margot Page is looking forward to the next chapter of Brown's hockey career.
"Kim was a pleasure to coach at Brock as she always wanted to learn and get better," said Page. "She's a player who will keep getting better and better as she meets new challenges with the Beauts. Buffalo is getting a fierce competitor who has great hands and a fearsome shot. We wish her all the best in Buffalo and look forward to following her career there."
Brown, who grew up in Toronto, didn't start playing hockey until she was 11 years old. Despite starting late compared to her peers, Brown's devotion to the game earned her a spot on the Toronto Leaside Wildcats and eventually the Badgers.
"My parents have always supported me for whatever I wanted to do with hockey. They do their best to be at every game they can make and are always supportive of me," said Brown. "I wouldn't be where I am today without them. My dad, Don, has had a big influence on me and my hockey over the years. He helped me learn how to build motivation, how to work hard, how to want something, self-discipline, and how to pursue something I'm passionate about. I believe these are values I can carry with myself on a daily basis that can help me in all aspects on and off the ice."
Brown reunites with former Badgers defenceman Megan Delay (Niagara Falls, Ont). The duo played together at Brock during the 2016-17 season.
