Wikipedia - Boston Fleet
The Boston Fleet are 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). The Fleet host games at Tsongas Center.
History
Founding and inaugural season
On August 29, 2023, it was announced that one of the PWHL's first six franchises would be located in Boston. 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. 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. On September 15, Boston University women's team associate head coach Courtney Kessel was announced as the team's first head coach.
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. Boston's first selection in the 2023 PWHL Draft, held on September 18, was Swiss forward Alina Müller, taken third overall.
In November, it was revealed that the team's colors would be green, gray, and white. It was also revealed that the team would host home games at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.
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. The team hosted its inaugural game against Minnesota Frost on January 3, 2024. The team's first ever goal was scored by Theresa Schafzahl, 7:59 into the 2nd period. Minnesota ultimately won the game by a score of 3–2. Boston's first victory came in a 3–2 overtime decision against Montreal Victoire on January 13. Boston went on to finish third in the league standings, clinching a playoff spot in their final regular season game.
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. Boston advanced to the championship series, where they faced Minnesota. Goaltender Aerin Frankel led the playoffs in saves. However, Boston lost a close five-game series, with Minnesota clinching the Walter Cup championship in Lowell on May 29.
The Boston Women's team boasts a roster of talented players who have honed their skills through years of dedication and training. Their exceptional skating abilities, precise stick handling, and powerful shots make them a formidable force on the ice. Led by experienced coaches and supported by a dedicated staff, the team is constantly striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of their performance.
The Boston Women's team is recognized for their strong defensive play, with agile and tenacious defenders who excel at shutting down opponents' scoring opportunities. Their goaltenders are known for their lightning-fast reflexes and ability to make acrobatic saves, providing a solid last line of defense.
Offensively, the Boston Women's team is a force to be reckoned with. Their forwards possess exceptional speed, agility, and scoring prowess, making them a constant threat in the offensive zone. They are skilled at creating scoring opportunities, executing precise passes, and capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes.
Beyond their on-ice abilities, the Boston Women's team embodies the values of sportsmanship, resilience, and dedication. They are role models for aspiring young athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. The team's commitment to community involvement and promoting the growth of women's ice hockey further solidifies their status as ambassadors for the sport.
As representatives of the United States, the Boston Women's team competes with pride and determination, always striving to bring home victories and uphold the legacy of American ice hockey. Their unwavering dedication to the sport and their country makes them a formidable opponent and a source of inspiration for ice hockey enthusiasts worldwide.