Former Buffalo Beauts forward Tatiana Rafter has signed a one-year, $16,500 contract with the New York Riveters, the team announced late Sunday night. That’s a $1,500 salary increase over last season.
The announcement came after Rafter revealed earlier in the day that she would be signing a deal to play the coming season in Europe. Details on what changed have not surfaced.
😅😅 Sorry everyone, there will be an explanation to follow. Happy long weekend! https://t.co/StWLTIxlOZ
— Tatiana Rafter (@tatianarafter) August 1, 2016
“Tatiana is a big power forward with great speed,” said Riveters general manager Chad Wiseman. “Put with the right players, we believe Tatiana can have a breakout year offensively this season.”
RELATED: Tatiana Rafter: My Life as a Pro, Behind the Scenes Part I
Rafter’s size and gritty skill would make her a perfect fit with the 2015-16 Riveters, whose calling card was a grind-it-out, dump-and-chase style that was a little light on offense. This season, with significant upgrades on the blue line and some improvements up front – like the signing of Amanda Kessel – they may not need to be as systems-focused and gritty.
But if an element of that game remains, Rafter will be a nice fit for the team, and could easily exceed the two goals and three points she posted last year with the Beauts in 17 games. She has more offense in her game than that and the holes in the New York offense could provide a chance for a breakout season.
With the signing of Rafter, the Riveters have finalized their 17-player roster for the coming season.