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PWHL Boston

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PWHL Boston
CityBoston, Massachusetts
LeaguePWHL
Founded29 August 2023 (2023-08-29)
Home arenaTsongas Center at UMass Lowell
ColorsForest green, gray, white
     
Owner(s)Mark Walter Group
General managerDanielle Marmer
Head coachCourtney Kessel
CaptainHilary Knight
Websiteboston.thepwhl.com
Current season

PWHL Boston is a professional ice hockey team based in Lowell, Massachusetts. They are one of the six charter franchises of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

History[edit]

Founding and inaugural season[edit]

On August 29, 2023, it was announced that one of the PWHL's first six franchises would be located in Boston.[1][2] This ensured the continuation of professional women's hockey in the area after the folding of the Boston Pride and the Premier Hockey Federation earlier that summer; the Pride had been that league's most successful franchise, winning three Isobel Cup championships.[3] Danielle Marmer, a former scout and player development assistant for the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, was named PWHL Boston's inaugural general manager.[4][5] On September 15, Boston University women's team associate head coach Courtney Kessel was announced as the team's first head coach.[6]

The team's first three player signings were United States national team players Hilary Knight, Aerin Frankel, and Megan Keller, all signed to three-year deals.[7][8] Boston's first selection in the 2023 PWHL Draft, held on September 18, was Swiss forward Alina Müller, taken third overall.[9]

In November, it was revealed that the team's colors would be green, gray, and white.[10] It was also revealed that the team would host home games at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.[11]

Boston's Aerin Frankel makes a save in 2024.

Ahead of the start of the inaugural 2024 season, former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron introduced Knight as Boston's captain; Keller and Jamie Lee Rattray were introduced as alternate captains.[12] The team hosted its inaugural game against PWHL Minnesota on January 3, 2024.[13] The team's first ever goal was scored by Theresa Schafzahl, 7:59 into the 2nd period.[14] Minnesota ultimately won the game by a score of 3–2.[15] Boston's first victory came in a 3–2 overtime decision against PWHL Montreal on January 13.[16] Boston went on to finish third in the league standings, clinching a playoff spot in their final regular season game.[17]

In the first round of the playoffs, Boston faced Montreal. Boston went on to defeat Montreal in three straight games, with all three victories coming in overtime.[18] Boston advanced to the championship series, where they faced Minnesota. Goaltender Aerin Frankel led the playoffs in saves.[19] However, Boston lost a close five-game series, with Minnesota clinching the Walter Cup championship in Lowell on May 29.[20]

Team[edit]

Current roster[edit]

As of 4 May 2024[21][22][23]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace
8 Canada Lexie Adzija F L 23 2024 St. Thomas, Ontario
55 Canada Kelly Babstock F R 31 2024 Mississauga, Ontario
20 United States Hannah Brandt F R 30 2023 Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
2 United States Emily Brown D L 25 2023 Blaine, Minnesota
18 Canada Abby Cook D R 26 2024 Kelowna, British Columbia
22 Canada Jessica DiGirolamo D L 25 2023 Mississauga, Ontario
31 United States Aerin Frankel G L 25 2023 New York City, New York
13 Canada Kaleigh Fratkin D R 32 2023 Burnaby, British Columbia
36 Canada Loren Gabel F L 26 2023 Kitchener, Ontario
17 United States Taylor Girard Injured Reserve F L 25 2023 Macomb, Michigan
97 Canada Jess Healey D L 27 2023 Edmonton, Alberta
5 United States Megan Keller (A) D L 28 2023 Farmington, Michigan
21 United States Hilary Knight (C) F R 34 2023 Palo Alto, California
77 Canada Nicole Kosta F R 31 2023 Mississauga, Ontario
35 United States Cami Kronish G L 24 2023 New York City, New York
19 United States Gigi Marvin F R 37 2023 Bemidji, Minnesota
7 United States Sidney Morin D R 29 2023 Minnetonka, Minnesota
11 Switzerland Alina Müller F L 26 2023 Lengnau, Switzerland
16 United States Amanda Pelkey F R 31 2023 Montpelier, Vermont
47 Canada Jamie Lee Rattray (A) F L 31 2023 Kanata, Ontario
37 Austria Theresa Schafzahl F L 24 2023 Weiz, Austria
9 Canada Sophie Shirley F R 24 2023 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
30 Sweden Emma Söderberg G L 26 2023 Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
88 Finland Susanna Tapani F L 31 2024 Laitila, Finland
12 United States Taylor Wenczkowski F R 26 2023 Rochester, New Hampshire

Reserves[edit]

As of 4 May 2024[21][22][23]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace
14 United States Caitrin Lonergan F R 26 2024 Roslindale, Massachusetts

Draft history[edit]

The 2023 PWHL Draft was held on September 18, 2023, and used a "snake draft" format with the selection order reversing after each round.[24][25] Boston's first pick was at number 3 overall.[26]

2023 PWHL Draft
Rd Pick Player Nationality Position Previous team
1 3 Alina Muller  Switzerland Forward Northeastern Huskies (Hockey East)
2 10 Sophie Jaques  Canada Defence Ohio State Buckeyes (WCHA)
3 15 Jamie Lee Rattray  Canada Forward Team Harvey's (PWHPA)
4 22 Loren Gabel  Canada Forward Boston Pride (PHF)
5 27 Hannah Brandt  United States Forward Team Sonnet (PWHPA)
6 34 Jessica DiGirolamo  Canada Defence Team Adidas (PWHPA)
7 39 Theresa Schafzahl  Austria Forward Vermont Catamounts (Hockey East)
8 46 Emily Brown  United States Defence Team Sonnet (PWHPA)
9 51 Taylor Girard  United States Forward Connecticut Whale (PHF)
10 58 Emma Söderberg  Sweden Goaltender Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (WCHA)
11 63 Sophie Shirley  Canada Forward Wisconsin Badgers (WCHA)
12 70 Shiann Darkangelo  United States Forward Toronto Six (PHF)
13 75 Emma Buckles  Canada Defence Team Sonnet (PWHPA)
14 82 Tatum Skaggs  United States Forward Team Scotiabank (PWHPA)
15 87 Jess Healey  Canada Defence Buffalo Beauts (PHF)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (August 29, 2023). "Six inaugural franchises revealed for new PWHL". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  2. ^ Dachman, Jason (January 30, 2024). "Inside the Whirlwind Launch of the Professional Women's Hockey League's Broadcast Operations". sportsvideo.org. Sports Video Group. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (June 29, 2023). "Sources: Premier Hockey Federation sale could unite women's hockey". ESPN. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "PWHL names six general managers as teams begin roster construction". Sportsnet. Canadian Press. September 1, 2023. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "Danielle Marmer, Bruins scouting assistant, named GM of Boston's PWHL team". WBZ News. CBS Interactive Inc. September 4, 2023. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  6. ^ "Ryan, MacLeod headline PWHL coaches". Sportsnet. Canadian Press. September 15, 2023. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Kennedy, Ian (September 7, 2023). "Knight, Frankel, Keller Sign With PWHL's Boston". The Hockey News. Brantford, Ontario. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  8. ^ Healy, Emma (September 7, 2023). "Boston's PWHL team signs Aerin Frankel, Megan Keller, and Hilary Knight to free agent contracts". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  9. ^ Kennedy, Ian (September 18, 2023). "Alina Muller Picked Third Overall By PWHL Boston". The Hockey News. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  10. ^ Kennedy, Ian (November 23, 2023). "PWHL Releases Jersey Designs". The Hockey News. Brantford, Ontario. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  11. ^ Ryan, Conor (January 2, 2024). "Here's everything you need to know about Boston's new professional hockey team". Boston.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  12. ^ Detwiler, Christopher (January 2, 2024). "Bergeron welcomes Hilary Knight as inaugural team captain for PWHL Boston". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  13. ^ Porter, Matt (January 4, 2024). "'This has never been done before': Behind the scenes at the PWHL's triumphant Boston debut". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "No. 1 overall pick Heise leads the way as Minnesota tops Boston in PWHL debut for both teams". CBC Sports. Associated Press. January 3, 2024. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Cornetta, Kat (January 4, 2024). "A new team is off and skating, but first game for PWHL Boston doesn't go quite as planned". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  16. ^ Rainbird, Daniel (January 13, 2024). "Boston's Pelkey spoils Montreal's PWHL home opener in OT after Poulin's disallowed goal". CBC Sports. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  17. ^ Crowley, Tim (May 4, 2024). "PWHL Boston Wrap: Boston Clinches Playoff Spot In Regular-Season Finale". NESN. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  18. ^ "Boston knocks Montreal out of playoffs in PWHL semifinal". Montreal Gazette. May 15, 2024. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  19. ^ Salvian, Hailey. "How PWHL Boston's 'small but mighty' goalie is fueling their surprising playoff run". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  20. ^ Cox, Peter (May 30, 2024). "PWHL Minnesota fans cheer on the team in Boston and at home as they win inaugural Walter Cup". MPR News. St. Paul: Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  21. ^ Jump up to: a b Donkin, Karissa (December 12, 2023). "PWHL teams release final 23-player rosters ahead of Jan. 1 season opener". cbc.ca. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved December 28, 2023. Teams will also carry 3 reserve players for 2024 season
  22. ^ Jump up to: a b "PWHL Boston Roster 2024 Regular Season". ThePWHL.com. Professional Women's Hockey League. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b "Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Roster Updates". March 19, 2024.
  24. ^ Wolf, Sydney (September 18, 2023). Written at Toronto. "Tracking each pick in the 2023 PWHL Draft". The Rink Live. Fargo, North Dakota: Forum Communications Company. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  25. ^ Burgess, Melissa (September 2, 2023). "PWHL Introduces General Managers, Announces Draft Order". The Victory Press. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  26. ^ "PWHL Draft Tracker: Round-by-round recap of all 90 selections". Sportsnet. September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.

External links[edit]

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