Alex Carpenter first pick of new pro women's league

Alex Carpenter of Boston College became the first player drafted into the new National Women's Hockey League on Saturday when the New York Riveters selected her with the top pick.

Players who had completed their junior seasons in college were eligible for the NWHL's first draft, which was held in Boston at Harvard University's Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Each of the 20 players selected Saturday can sign with the team that drafted her after completing her senior season, or she can opt for free agency and sign with one of the league's other three teams.

In addition to the Riveters, the NWHL's other teams are the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts and Connecticut Whale. The league's inaugural season is scheduled to begin in October. Free agency begins Aug. 17, when rosters will be finalized.

Carpenter had 81 points (37 goals) in 37 games last season and won the 2015 Patty Kazmaier Award as the top player in NCAA Division I women's hockey. She led the United States with four goals at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

The 20 draft picks were:

1. Alex Carpenter, F, Boston College (Riveters)

2. Hannah Brandt, F, Minnesota (Whale)

3. Kendall Coyne, F, Northeastern (Pride)

4. Courtney Burke, D, Wisconsin (Beauts)

5. Haley Skarupa, F, Boston College (Riveters)

6. Michelle Picard, D, Harvard (Whale)

7. Emerance Maschmeyer, G, Harvard (Pride)

8. Sarah Lefort, F, Boston University (Beauts)

9. Erin Ambrose, D, Clarkson (Riveters)

10. Milica McMillen, D, Minnesota (Whale)

11. Lexi Bender, D, Boston College (Pride)

12. Amanda Leveille, G, Minnesota (Beauts)

13. Dana Trivigno, F, Boston College (Riveters)

14. Maryanne Menefee, F, Minnesota (Whale)

15. Miye D'Oench, F, Harvard (Pride)

16. Emily Janiga, F, Mercyhurst (Beauts)

17. Kimberly Newell, G, Princeton (Riveters)

18. Cassandra Poudrier, D, Cornell (Whale)

19. Shannon MacAuley, F, Clarkson (Pride)

20. Jenna Dingeldein, F, Mercyhurst (Beauts)