Draft pick Lexi Bender signs with Boston Pride

On Monday, the Boston Pride agreed to terms with defenseman Lexi Bender, signing her to a $10,000 contract.

"Lexi had an excellent career at BC, and is a proven winner," said Pride General Manager Hayley Moore in a press release. "Her speed, strength, and size will be a great addition to our defensive core."

Bender recently completed her collegiate career at Boston College, scoring 95 points (19-16) in 154 games. The Pride drafted her in the third round of the 2015 NWHL Draft, the 11th overall pick. She played two games in the 2014 USA Hockey U-22 series, scoring one goal.

“It is such an incredible opportunity to play professional hockey, especially with the reigning Isobel Cup champions, as well as to have the chance to continue growing the girls’ game,” said Bender. “The Pride are who drafted me, and I am very much looking forward to being in Boston, and surrounded by such great players on a day-to-day basis.”

With the signing, the Pride now have two defenders committed for the 2016-2017 season, as they re-signed Alyssa Gagliardi last week. There's still plenty of time left in free agency, but the Pride should act quickly to re-sign both Kacey Bellamy and Gigi Marvin, who were the core of the Pride's defense last season.