The Boston Blades are proud to announce their Draft Class of 2015, adding speed, skill and strong goaltending to support returning players.

General Manager Krista Patronick selected Kristina Brown, a 2013 graduate of Boston College, as her first round choice. Brown, a North Andover native, spent the past two years playing abroad in Europe. She notched 13 career goals and 8 assists at Boston College. Brown went on to play for a professional team in Austria for the 2013-2014 season, and for another in Finland for the 2014-2015 season.

Brown is looking forward to playing professional hockey in North America.

"I was just excited for a great opportunity, in a great league. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase the women's game," said Brown. 

Nicole Giannino, a 2015 graduate of College of the Holy Cross, was drafted for the Blades in the second round. Patronick will look to Giannino to add a scoring touch; she notched 37 goals and 33 assists in her college career. She knows the team will have to work hard to defend the Clarkson Cup.

"It's a lot to live up to, and we just need to make sure that we don't take any (opponent) for granted," said the Bay Shore, New York native.

Elizabeth Tremblay, a native of Jonquiere, Quebec, was drafted third. Tremblay, a graduate of Lionel Groulx, is a fast and skilled skater who prefers to set her teammates up to score goals.

"I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of a new team that is rebuilding," she said. "It will also be exciting to live in a new city."

Rachel Farrel, a 2015 graduate of the University of Connecticut, was drafted fourth by Patronick. With 19 goals and 21 assists in her career, she will also add scoring power for the Blades.

When asked to describe the draft class, Patronick said two words: "fast" and "fun."

 "But most importantly this group has showed me an incredible work ethic and that will be key going in to the season," she said. 

The draft class is looking forward to the Blades' rivalry with Montreal.

"Well, it's nicknamed the City of Champions for a reason," Brown said with a laugh. 

The team will do a tour with the Clarkson Cup prior to the team's home opener on Oct. 31 against Calgary. Tour stops will include landmarks in the city such as the Boston Marathon finish line and the Bobby Orr statue. 

The Draft Class of 2015 also includes:

Sadie St. Germain, forward, Syracuse

Amanda Cariddi, goaltender, Syracuse

Sarah Duncan, defense, Trinity College

Shannon Cronin, defense, University of Southern Maine

Emily Fluke, forward, Middlebury College

Caitlin Bray, defense, Wesleyan University

Maggie Gore, forward

Maddie Burton, forward

Rebecca May, goaltender, Gordon College