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{{short description|PWHL ice hockey team in Boston}}
{{short description|PWHL ice hockey team in Boston}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox ice hockey team
{{Infobox ice hockey team
| current = 2024–25 PWHL Boston season<!-- Current season, do not link -->
| current = 2024–25 PWHL Boston season<!-- Current season, do not link -->
| text_color =
| text_color =
| bg_color = background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#164E36 5px solid; border-bottom:#C3C6CC 5px solid;
| bg_color = background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#173F35 5px solid; border-bottom:#B5E3D8 5px solid;
| text_outline=
| text_outline=
| team = Boston Fleet
| team = Boston Fleet
Line 13: Line 13:
| conference =
| conference =
| division =
| division =
| founded = {{Start date|2023|8|29|df=y}}
| founded = {{Start date|2023|8|29}}
| operated =
| operated =
| arena = [[Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell]]
| arena = [[Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell]]
| colors = Forest green, gray, white<br />{{color box|#164E36}} {{color box|#C3C6CC}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| colors = Forest green, aqua, navy and teal<br />{{color box|#173F35}} {{color box|#B5E3D8}} {{color box|#051C2C}} {{Color box|#004851}}
| owner = [[Mark Walter|Mark Walter Group]]
| owner = [[Mark Walter|Mark Walter Group]]
| GM = [[Danielle Marmer]]
| GM = [[Danielle Marmer]]
Line 29: Line 29:
}}
}}


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 '''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==
==History==


=== Founding and inaugural season ===
=== 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |date=August 29, 2023 |title=Six inaugural franchises revealed for new PWHL |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38282089/new-professional-women-hockey-league-reveals-six-franchises |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901224830/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38282089/new-professional-women-hockey-league-reveals-six-franchises |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dachman |first=Jason |date=January 30, 2024 |title=Inside the Whirlwind Launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Broadcast Operations |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/01/30/inside-the-whirlwind-launch-of-the-professional-womens-hockey-leagues-broadcast-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192639/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/01/30/inside-the-whirlwind-launch-of-the-professional-womens-hockey-leagues-broadcast-operations/ |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=sportsvideo.org |publisher=Sports Video Group |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="phf-sale-espn">{{cite web |author=Wyshynski |first=Greg |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Sources: Premier Hockey Federation sale could unite women's hockey |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37937093/premier-hockey-federation-sale-unite-women-hockey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630015545/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37937093/premier-hockey-federation-sale-unite-women-hockey |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=}}</ref> [[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.<ref name="sn202309012">{{cite web |date=September 1, 2023 |title=PWHL names six general managers as teams begin roster construction |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/pwhl-names-six-general-managers-as-teams-begin-roster-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905132246/https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/pwhl-names-six-general-managers-as-teams-begin-roster-construction/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=[[Sportsnet]] |agency=[[Canadian Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Danielle Marmer, Bruins scouting assistant, named GM of Boston's PWHL team |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/danielle-marmer-boston-pwhl-pro-womens-hockey-team-gm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209205140/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/danielle-marmer-boston-pwhl-pro-womens-hockey-team-gm/ |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date=September 6, 2023 |website=WBZ News |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc}}</ref> On September 15, [[Boston University]] [[Boston University Terriers women's ice hockey|women's team]] associate head coach [[Courtney Kessel]] was announced as the team's first [[head coach]].<ref name="pwhl-coaches2">{{cite web |author= |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Ryan, MacLeod headline PWHL coaches |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/ryan-macleod-headline-pwhl-coaches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920000225/https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/ryan-macleod-headline-pwhl-coaches/ |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Sportsnet |publisher= |agency=Canadian Press}}</ref>
[[File:Boston_PWHL.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Inaugural logo as PWHL Boston]]
⚫
On August 29, 2023, it was announced that one of the PWHL's first six franchises would be located in Boston.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |date=2023-08-29 |title=Six inaugural franchises revealed for new PWHL |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38282089/new-professional-women-hockey-league-reveals-six-franchises |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901224830/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38282089/new-professional-women-hockey-league-reveals-six-franchises |archive-date=2023-09-01 |access-date=2023-09-05 |work=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dachman |first=Jason |date=2024-01-30 |title=Inside the Whirlwind Launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Broadcast Operations |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/01/30/inside-the-whirlwind-launch-of-the-professional-womens-hockey-leagues-broadcast-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192639/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/01/30/inside-the-whirlwind-launch-of-the-professional-womens-hockey-leagues-broadcast-operations/ |archive-date=2024-02-03 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=sportsvideo.org |publisher=Sports Video Group |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="phf-sale-espn">{{cite web |author=Wyshynski |first=Greg |date=2023-06-29 |title=Sources: Premier Hockey Federation sale could unite women's hockey |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37937093/premier-hockey-federation-sale-unite-women-hockey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630015545/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37937093/premier-hockey-federation-sale-unite-women-hockey |archive-date=2023-06-30 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=}}</ref> [[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.<ref name="sn202309012">{{cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=PWHL names six general managers as teams begin roster construction |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/pwhl-names-six-general-managers-as-teams-begin-roster-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905132246/https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/pwhl-names-six-general-managers-as-teams-begin-roster-construction/ |archive-date=2023-09-05 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=[[Sportsnet]] |agency=[[Canadian Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Danielle Marmer, Bruins scouting assistant, named GM of Boston's PWHL team |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/danielle-marmer-boston-pwhl-pro-womens-hockey-team-gm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209205140/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/danielle-marmer-boston-pwhl-pro-womens-hockey-team-gm/ |archive-date=2023-12-09 |access-date=September 6, 2023 |website=WBZ News |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc}}</ref> On September 15, [[Boston University]] [[Boston University Terriers women's ice hockey|women's team]] associate head coach [[Courtney Kessel]] was announced as the team's first [[head coach]].<ref name="pwhl-coaches2">{{cite web |author= |date=2023-09-15 |title=Ryan, MacLeod headline PWHL coaches |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/ryan-macleod-headline-pwhl-coaches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920000225/https://www.sportsnet.ca/women-hockey/article/ryan-macleod-headline-pwhl-coaches/ |archive-date=2023-09-20 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Sportsnet |publisher= |agency=Canadian Press}}</ref>


The team's first three player signings were [[United States women's national ice hockey team|United States national team]] players [[Hilary Knight (ice hockey)|Hilary Knight]], [[Aerin Frankel]], and [[Megan Keller]], all signed to three-year deals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Ian |date=2023-09-07 |title=Knight, Frankel, Keller Sign With PWHL's Boston |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/knight-frankel-keller-sign-with-pwhls-boston |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119134132/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/knight-frankel-keller-sign-with-pwhls-boston |archive-date=2023-11-19 |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=The Hockey News |publication-place=[[Brantford, Ontario]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Healy |first1=Emma |date=2023-09-07 |title=Boston's PWHL team signs Aerin Frankel, Megan Keller, and Hilary Knight to free agent contracts |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/07/sports/pwhl-boston-signs-aerin-frankel-megan-keller-hilary-knight/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907190434/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/07/sports/pwhl-boston-signs-aerin-frankel-megan-keller-hilary-knight/ |archive-date=2023-09-07 |access-date=2023-09-07 |work=[[Boston Globe]]}}</ref> Boston's first selection in the [[2023 PWHL Draft]], held on September 18, was [[Swiss people|Swiss]] forward [[Alina Müller]], taken third overall.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=2023-09-18 |title=Alina Muller Picked Third Overall By PWHL Boston |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/alina-muller-picked-third-overall-by-pwhl-boston |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103171915/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/alina-muller-picked-third-overall-by-pwhl-boston |archive-date=2023-11-03 |access-date=2023-09-19 |work=[[The Hockey News]]}}</ref>
The team's first three player signings were [[United States women's national ice hockey team|United States national team]] players [[Hilary Knight (ice hockey)|Hilary Knight]], [[Aerin Frankel]], and [[Megan Keller]], all signed to three-year deals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Ian |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Knight, Frankel, Keller Sign With PWHL's Boston |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/knight-frankel-keller-sign-with-pwhls-boston |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119134132/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/knight-frankel-keller-sign-with-pwhls-boston |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=The Hockey News |publication-place=[[Brantford, Ontario]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Healy |first1=Emma |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Boston's PWHL team signs Aerin Frankel, Megan Keller, and Hilary Knight to free agent contracts |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/07/sports/pwhl-boston-signs-aerin-frankel-megan-keller-hilary-knight/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907190434/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/07/sports/pwhl-boston-signs-aerin-frankel-megan-keller-hilary-knight/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |work=[[Boston Globe]]}}</ref> Boston's first selection in the [[2023 PWHL Draft]], held on September 18, was [[Swiss people|Swiss]] forward [[Alina Müller]], taken third overall.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=September 18, 2023 |title=Alina Muller Picked Third Overall By PWHL Boston |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/alina-muller-picked-third-overall-by-pwhl-boston |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103171915/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/alina-muller-picked-third-overall-by-pwhl-boston |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |work=[[The Hockey News]]}}</ref>


In November, it was revealed that the team's colors would be green, gray, and white.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=2023-11-23 |title=PWHL Releases Jersey Designs |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-releases-jersey-designs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114154251/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-releases-jersey-designs |archive-date=2023-11-14 |access-date=2023-11-14 |work=The Hockey News |location=[[Brantford, Ontario]]}}</ref> It was also revealed that the team would host home games at the [[Tsongas Center]] in Lowell.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Conor |date=2024-01-02 |title=Here's everything you need to know about Boston's new professional hockey team |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2024/01/02/what-to-know-boston-new-hockey-team-pwhl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104014945/https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2024/01/02/what-to-know-boston-new-hockey-team-pwhl/ |archive-date=2024-01-04 |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=[[Boston.com]]}}</ref>
In November, it was revealed that the team's colors would be green, gray, and white.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=November 23, 2023 |title=PWHL Releases Jersey Designs |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-releases-jersey-designs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114154251/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-releases-jersey-designs |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |work=The Hockey News |location=[[Brantford, Ontario]]}}</ref> It was also revealed that the team would host home games at the [[Tsongas Center]] in Lowell.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Conor |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Here's everything you need to know about Boston's new professional hockey team |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2024/01/02/what-to-know-boston-new-hockey-team-pwhl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104014945/https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2024/01/02/what-to-know-boston-new-hockey-team-pwhl/ |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=[[Boston.com]]}}</ref>
[[File:240225 MN Boston JohnMc060 (53557384585).jpg|thumb|Boston's [[Aerin Frankel]] makes a save in 2024.]]
[[File:240225 MN Boston JohnMc060 (53557384585).jpg|thumb|Boston's [[Aerin Frankel]] makes a save in 2024.]]
Ahead of the start of the inaugural [[2024 PWHL season|2024 season]], former Boston Bruins [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] [[Patrice Bergeron]] introduced Knight as Boston's captain; Keller and [[Jamie Lee Rattray]] were introduced as alternate captains.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Detwiler |first=Christopher |date=2024-01-02 |title=Bergeron welcomes Hilary Knight as inaugural team captain for PWHL Boston |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/patrice-bergeron-announces-hilary-knight-pwhl-boston-captain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103084222/https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/patrice-bergeron-announces-hilary-knight-pwhl-boston-captain |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=[[nhl.com]] |publisher=National Hockey League}}</ref> The team hosted its inaugural game against [[PWHL Minnesota]] on January 3, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Matt |date=2024-01-04 |title='This has never been done before': Behind the scenes at the PWHL's triumphant Boston debut |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/04/sports/boston-pwhl-behind-the-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105171533/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/04/sports/boston-pwhl-behind-the-scenes/ |archive-date=2024-01-05 |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=Boston Globe}}</ref> The team's first ever goal was scored by [[Theresa Schafzahl]], 7:59 into the 2nd period.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=No. 1 overall pick Heise leads the way as Minnesota tops Boston in PWHL debut for both teams |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-minnesota-boston-recap-jan-3-1.7073586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104071552/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-minnesota-boston-recap-jan-3-1.7073586 |archive-date=2024-01-04 |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=[[CBC Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Minnesota ultimately won the game by a score of 3–2.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cornetta |first=Kat |date=2024-01-04 |title=A new team is off and skating, but first game for PWHL Boston doesn't go quite as planned |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/03/sports/drop-puck-boston-opens-pwhl-play-much-fanfare-followed-by-loss-minnesota/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105171904/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/03/sports/drop-puck-boston-opens-pwhl-play-much-fanfare-followed-by-loss-minnesota/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link |archive-date=2024-01-05 |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=Boston Globe}}</ref> Boston's first victory came in a 3–2 overtime decision against [[PWHL Montreal]] on January 13.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rainbird |first=Daniel |date=2024-01-13 |title=Boston's Pelkey spoils Montreal's PWHL home opener in OT after Poulin's disallowed goal |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-boston-montreal-recap-jan-13-1.7082885 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114015711/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-boston-montreal-recap-jan-13-1.7082885 |archive-date=2024-01-14 |access-date=2024-01-14 |work=CBC Sports |agency=[[The Canadian Press]]}}</ref> Boston went on to finish third in the league standings, clinching a playoff spot in their final regular season game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Tim |date=2024-05-04 |title=PWHL Boston Wrap: Boston Clinches Playoff Spot In Regular-Season Finale |url=https://nesn.com/2024/05/pwhl-boston-wrap-boston-clinches-playoff-spot-in-regular-season-finale/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510082959/https://nesn.com/2024/05/pwhl-boston-wrap-boston-clinches-playoff-spot-in-regular-season-finale/ |archive-date=2024-05-10 |access-date=2024-06-09 |work=[[NESN]]}}</ref>
Ahead of the start of the inaugural [[2024 PWHL season|2024 season]], former Boston Bruins [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] [[Patrice Bergeron]] introduced Knight as Boston's captain; Keller and [[Jamie Lee Rattray]] were introduced as alternate captains.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Detwiler |first=Christopher |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Bergeron welcomes Hilary Knight as inaugural team captain for PWHL Boston |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/patrice-bergeron-announces-hilary-knight-pwhl-boston-captain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103084222/https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/patrice-bergeron-announces-hilary-knight-pwhl-boston-captain |archive-date=January 3, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=[[nhl.com]] |publisher=National Hockey League}}</ref> The team hosted its inaugural game against [[Minnesota Frost]] on January 3, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Matt |date=January 4, 2024 |title='This has never been done before': Behind the scenes at the PWHL's triumphant Boston debut |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/04/sports/boston-pwhl-behind-the-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105171533/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/04/sports/boston-pwhl-behind-the-scenes/ |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Boston Globe}}</ref> The team's first ever goal was scored by [[Theresa Schafzahl]], 7:59 into the 2nd period.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 3, 2024 |title=No. 1 overall pick Heise leads the way as Minnesota tops Boston in PWHL debut for both teams |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-minnesota-boston-recap-jan-3-1.7073586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104071552/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-minnesota-boston-recap-jan-3-1.7073586 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=[[CBC Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Minnesota ultimately won the game by a score of 3–2.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cornetta |first=Kat |date=January 4, 2024 |title=A new team is off and skating, but first game for PWHL Boston doesn't go quite as planned |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/03/sports/drop-puck-boston-opens-pwhl-play-much-fanfare-followed-by-loss-minnesota/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105171904/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/03/sports/drop-puck-boston-opens-pwhl-play-much-fanfare-followed-by-loss-minnesota/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Boston Globe}}</ref> Boston's first victory came in a 3–2 overtime decision against [[Montreal Victoire]] on January 13.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rainbird |first=Daniel |date=January 13, 2024 |title=Boston's Pelkey spoils Montreal's PWHL home opener in OT after Poulin's disallowed goal |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-boston-montreal-recap-jan-13-1.7082885 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114015711/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-boston-montreal-recap-jan-13-1.7082885 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=CBC Sports |agency=[[The Canadian Press]]}}</ref> Boston went on to finish third in the league standings, clinching a playoff spot in their final regular season game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Tim |date=May 4, 2024 |title=PWHL Boston Wrap: Boston Clinches Playoff Spot In Regular-Season Finale |url=https://nesn.com/2024/05/pwhl-boston-wrap-boston-clinches-playoff-spot-in-regular-season-finale/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510082959/https://nesn.com/2024/05/pwhl-boston-wrap-boston-clinches-playoff-spot-in-regular-season-finale/ |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=[[NESN]]}}</ref>


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.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Boston knocks Montreal out of playoffs in PWHL semifinal |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/boston-knocks-montreal-out-of-playoffs-in-pwhl-semifinal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515173559/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/boston-knocks-montreal-out-of-playoffs-in-pwhl-semifinal |archive-date=2024-05-15 |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=[[Montreal Gazette]]}}</ref> Boston advanced to the championship series, where they faced Minnesota. Goaltender [[Aerin Frankel]] led the playoffs in saves.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salvian |first=Hailey |title=How PWHL Boston's 'small but mighty' goalie is fueling their surprising playoff run |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508382/2024/05/21/pwhl-playoffs-boston-aerin-frankel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521152856/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508382/2024/05/21/pwhl-playoffs-boston-aerin-frankel/ |archive-date=2024-05-21 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> However, Boston lost a close five-game series, with Minnesota clinching the [[Walter Cup]] championship in Lowell on May 29.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Peter |date=2024-05-30 |title=PWHL Minnesota fans cheer on the team in Boston and at home as they win inaugural Walter Cup |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/29/pwhl-minnesota-fans-in-boston-walter-cup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530131110/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/29/pwhl-minnesota-fans-in-boston-walter-cup |archive-date=2024-05-30 |access-date=2024-05-31 |work=MPR News |publisher=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] |location=[[Saint Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]]}}</ref>
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.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Boston knocks Montreal out of playoffs in PWHL semifinal |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/boston-knocks-montreal-out-of-playoffs-in-pwhl-semifinal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515173559/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/boston-knocks-montreal-out-of-playoffs-in-pwhl-semifinal |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |website=[[Montreal Gazette]]}}</ref> Boston advanced to the championship series, where they faced Minnesota. Goaltender [[Aerin Frankel]] led the playoffs in saves.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salvian |first=Hailey |title=How PWHL Boston's 'small but mighty' goalie is fueling their surprising playoff run |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508382/2024/05/21/pwhl-playoffs-boston-aerin-frankel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521152856/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5508382/2024/05/21/pwhl-playoffs-boston-aerin-frankel/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> However, Boston lost a close five-game series, with Minnesota clinching the [[Walter Cup]] championship in Lowell on May 29.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Peter |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Minnesota Frost fans cheer on the team in Boston and at home as they win inaugural Walter Cup |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/29/pwhl-minnesota-fans-in-boston-walter-cup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530131110/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/29/pwhl-minnesota-fans-in-boston-walter-cup |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=MPR News |publisher=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] |location=[[Saint Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]]}}</ref>

== Team identity ==
[[File:Boston_PWHL.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Inaugural season logo for PWHL Boston.]]Boston operated without unique branding for the league's inaugural season, like all charter franchises. The team was known as PWHL Boston and wore a league-wide jersey template that featured the city's name diagonally on the front.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Abdulhamid |date=January 2, 2024 |title=PWHL sorting out missing pieces like team names and logos as it goes along |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-pwhl-sorting-out-missing-pieces-like-team-names-and-logos-as-it-goes/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118121106/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-pwhl-sorting-out-missing-pieces-like-team-names-and-logos-as-it-goes/ |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[The Globe and Mail]] |quote=However there are some missing pieces, such as names and logos for the six teams. "I don't, I don't," PWHL advisory board member Stan Kasten said Monday on whether he has a timeline for those key elements to be included.}}</ref> The team did have its own colour scheme, featuring green and black. In October 2023, the league registered a trademark for the name Boston Wicked, which proved unpopular with fans when leaked.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salvian |first1=Hailey |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Potential names for PWHL's original 6 franchises revealed |url=https://theathletic.com/5002068/2023/10/26/pwhl-team-names-six-franchises/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031041041/https://theathletic.com/5002068/2023/10/26/pwhl-team-names-six-franchises/ |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |work=[[The Athletic]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bustillos |first=Esteban |date=September 9, 2024 |title=PWHL Boston finally gets a name: the Fleet |url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-09-09/pwhl-boston-finally-gets-a-name-the-fleet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909182550/https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-09-09/pwhl-boston-finally-gets-a-name-the-fleet |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=[[WGBH Educational Foundation|GBH]]}}</ref> In September 2024, the team was instead given the name Fleet, in reference to Boston's maritime tradition, with a logo featuring a stylized letter 'B' doubling as an anchor.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Wawrow |first=John |date=September 9, 2024 |title=PWHL reveals names, logos for all 6 franchises ahead of second season |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-names-logos-reveal-1.7317373 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910150437/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/pwhl-names-logos-reveal-1.7317373 |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |agency=[[The Associated Press]]}}</ref> The team retained its color scheme, adding additional shades of green. ''[[The Hockey News]]'' reported that other names in contention for Boston, before settling on Fleet, included Emeralds and Blitz.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Ian |date=September 9, 2024 |title=These Were The Final Four Names In Contention For Each Of The PWHL's Six Teams |url=https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/these-were-the-final-four-names-in-contention-for-each-of-the-pwhls-six-teams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909151513/https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/these-were-the-final-four-names-in-contention-for-each-of-the-pwhls-six-teams |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=[[The Hockey News]]}}</ref>


==Players and personnel==
==Players and personnel==
Line 145: Line 147:


===First-round draft picks===
===First-round draft picks===
{{Main|List of PWHL Boston draft picks}}
{{Main|List of Boston Fleet draft picks}}
* [[2023 PWHL draft|2023]]: [[Alina Muller]] (3rd overall)
* [[2023 PWHL draft|2023]]: [[Alina Muller]] (3rd overall)
* [[2024 PWHL draft|2024]]: [[Hannah Bilka]] (4th overall)
* [[2024 PWHL draft|2024]]: [[Hannah Bilka]] (4th overall)
Line 158: Line 160:
{{Professional Women's Hockey League}}
{{Professional Women's Hockey League}}
{{Professional Women's Hockey seasons}}
{{Professional Women's Hockey seasons}}
{{Massachusetts Sports}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Boston Fleet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boston Fleet}}

Latest revision as of 19:02, 16 October 2024

Boston Fleet
CityBoston, Massachusetts
LeaguePWHL
FoundedAugust 29, 2023 (2023-08-29)
Home arenaTsongas Center at UMass Lowell
ColorsForest green, aqua, navy and teal
       
Owner(s)Mark Walter Group
General managerDanielle Marmer
Head coachCourtney Kessel
CaptainHilary Knight
Websiteboston.thepwhl.com
Current season

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

[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 Minnesota Frost 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 Montreal Victoire 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 identity

[edit]
Inaugural season logo for PWHL Boston.

Boston operated without unique branding for the league's inaugural season, like all charter franchises. The team was known as PWHL Boston and wore a league-wide jersey template that featured the city's name diagonally on the front.[21] The team did have its own colour scheme, featuring green and black. In October 2023, the league registered a trademark for the name Boston Wicked, which proved unpopular with fans when leaked.[22][23] In September 2024, the team was instead given the name Fleet, in reference to Boston's maritime tradition, with a logo featuring a stylized letter 'B' doubling as an anchor.[23][24] The team retained its color scheme, adding additional shades of green. The Hockey News reported that other names in contention for Boston, before settling on Fleet, included Emeralds and Blitz.[25]

Players and personnel

[edit]

Current roster

[edit]
As of May 4, 2024[26][27][28]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace
8 Canada Lexie Adzija F L 24 2024 St. Thomas, Ontario
55 Canada Kelly Babstock F R 32 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 27 2023 Kitchener, Ontario
17 United States Taylor Girard Injured Reserve F L 26 2023 Macomb, Michigan
97 Canada Jess Healey D L 28 2023 Edmonton, Alberta
5 United States Megan Keller (A) D L 28 2023 Farmington, Michigan
21 United States Hilary Knight (C) F R 35 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 32 2023 Kanata, Ontario
37 Austria Theresa Schafzahl F L 24 2023 Weiz, Austria
9 Canada Sophie Shirley F R 25 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 27 2023 Rochester, New Hampshire

Reserves

[edit]
As of May 4, 2024[26][27][28]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace
14 United States Caitrin Lonergan F R 27 2024 Roslindale, Massachusetts

Team captains

[edit]

Head coaches

[edit]

First-round draft picks

[edit]
Main article: List of Boston Fleet draft picks

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). "Minnesota Frost 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. ^ Ibrahim, Abdulhamid (January 2, 2024). "PWHL sorting out missing pieces like team names and logos as it goes along". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024. However there are some missing pieces, such as names and logos for the six teams. "I don't, I don't," PWHL advisory board member Stan Kasten said Monday on whether he has a timeline for those key elements to be included.
  22. ^ Salvian, Hailey (October 26, 2023). "Potential names for PWHL's original 6 franchises revealed". The Athletic. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Bustillos, Esteban (September 9, 2024). "PWHL Boston finally gets a name: the Fleet". GBH. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  24. ^ Wawrow, John (September 9, 2024). "PWHL reveals names, logos for all 6 franchises ahead of second season". CBC Sports. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 10, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  25. ^ Kennedy, Ian (September 9, 2024). "These Were The Final Four Names In Contention For Each Of The PWHL's Six Teams". The Hockey News. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  26. ^ 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
  27. ^ a b "PWHL Boston Roster 2024 Regular Season". ThePWHL.com. Professional Women's Hockey League. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Roster Updates". March 19, 2024.
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