Ohio State Forward Paetyn Levis Signs Two-Year Contract with Minnesota Whitecaps

Levis will begin her professional career in her home state, and joins former Buckeye teammates Liz Schepers and Madison Bizal on the Whitecaps.

Author:
Caleb Spinner
Jun 26, 2023 6:09 PM EDT

Ohio State forward Paetyn Levis signed a two-year, professional contract Monday with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF).

Levis played 41 games with the Buckeyes last season, scoring 21 goals and 19 assists with 18 PIM. The Rogers, Minnesota-native tallied 122 points in her 171 collegiate games (55 goals and 67 assists), and played an instrumental part in Ohio State's journey to their first-ever National Championship in 2022.

“I am honored to start my pro career in Minnesota,” Levis said. “Being from Minnesota, growing up with the Whitecaps playing nearby, I have always admired them so having the opportunity to play for this organization that I've been inspired by is really exciting.”

Levis earned numerous accolades while playing at Ohio State, including 2022 Frozen Four Most Valuable Player, three nominations to the annual Academic All-Big Ten list and four WCHA All-Academic Team selections.

The deal will have Levis beginning her big-league career in her home state and playing alongside two of her former teammates: forward Liz Schepers and defenseman Madison Bizal.

“The kid scores goals. Plain and simple,” Whitecaps general manager Chi-Yin Tse said. “You can tell she went through a little bit of transformation from her first couple of years to the last two years. She figured out how to rack up points and that is exactly what we needed to bring to this team - another offensive threat that gives us four deep lines.”

“I know this team has a great environment that supports not just the sport but its players and the fans as well,” Levis said. “I’m also excited for the style of play that I've watched the Whitecaps succeed with and I think it will be a great fit for me to help them continue to grow.”

An announcement from the Whitecaps about the deal said that, aside from the contract's duration, "Terms of the contract will not be disclosed."