Boston Fleet

Last updated

Boston Fleet
BostonFleet.png
City Boston, Massachusetts
League PWHL
Founded2023
Home arena Tsongas Center
ColorsForest green, aqua, navy, teal
    
Owner(s) Mark Walter Group
General manager Danielle Marmer
Head coach Kris Sparre
Captain Megan Keller
Website boston.thepwhl.com
Championships
Regular season titles 0
Walter Cups 0
Hockey current event.svg Current season

The Boston Fleet are a professional ice hockey team based in the Greater Boston area that competes in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). They are one of the six charter franchises of the league. The team plays its home games at Tsongas Center.

Contents

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. [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 Birchard-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. 240225 MN Boston JohnMc060 (53557384585).jpg
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 Victoire. 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 Frost. 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]

On June 23, 2025, Birchard-Kessel left the Fleet and was named the head coach for the Princeton Tigers women's ice hockey team. [21] On July 23, 2025, Kris Sparre was named the second head coach in program history. [22]

Season-by-season record

Key of colors and symbols
Color/symbolExplanation
†Indicates League Championship
*Indicates regular Championship
Year by year results
SeasonGPRWOWOLRLPtsGFGAGDFinishPlayoffs
2023–24 248439355057−73rdLost Walter Cup Finals, 2–3 (PWHL Minnesota)
2024–25 3096510447576−15thDid not qualify

Team identity

Inaugural season logo for PWHL Boston. Boston PWHL.jpg
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. [23] The team did have its own color 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. [24] [25] In September 2024, the team was instead given the name Fleet, in reference to Boston's maritime tradition; the team's logo features a stylized letter 'B' doubling as an anchor. [25] [26] 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. [27]

Players and personnel

Current roster

As of November 22, 2025 [28] [29] [30]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G AgeAcquiredBirthplace
3 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Zoe Boyd D L252025 Caledon East, Ontario
20 Flag of the United States.svg Hannah Brandt F R322023 Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
16 Flag of the United States.svg Riley Brengman D R232025 China Township, Michigan
31 Flag of the United States.svg Aerin Frankel G L262023 New York City, New York
6 Flag of the United States.svg Hadley Hartmetz D R242024 Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
26 Flag of the United States.svg Ella Huber F L222025 Northfield, Illinois
5 Flag of the United States.svg Megan Keller  ( C ) D L292023 Farmington, Michigan
25 Flag of Germany.svg Laura Kluge F L292025 Berlin, Germany
39 Flag of the United States.svg Abbey Levy G L252025 Congers, New York
53 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Rylind MacKinnon D L252025 Cranbrook, British Columbia
27 Flag of the United States.svg Shay Maloney F R262024 McHenry, Illinois
15 Flag of the United States.svg Olivia Mobley C R242025 St. Louis Park, Minnesota
11 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Alina Müller  ( A ) F L272023 Lengnau, Switzerland
19 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Abby Newhook C R222025 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
55 Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Daniela Pejšová D L232024 Teplice, Czech Republic
47 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jamie Lee Rattray  ( A ) F L332023 Kanata, Ontario
44 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jill Saulnier F L332025 Halifax, Nova Scotia
37 Flag of Austria.svg Theresa Schafzahl F L252023 Weiz, Austria
13 Flag of the United States.svg Liz Schepers F L262025 Mound, Minnesota
9 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Sophie Shirley F R262023 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
77 Flag of Finland.svg Susanna Tapani F L322024 Laitila, Finland
30 Flag of the United States.svg Amanda Thiele G L232025 Milford, Michigan
8 Flag of the United States.svg Haley Winn D R222025 Rochester, New York

Reserves

As of November 22, 2025 [28] [29] [30]
No. Nat Player Pos S/G AgeAcquiredBirthplace
7 Flag of the United States.svg Mia Biotti D L232025 Cambridge, Massachusetts
36 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Loren Gabel F L282023 Kitchener, Ontario
73 Flag of the United States.svg Olivia Zafuto D L282024 Niagara Falls, New York

All-time players

Team captains

Head coaches

Coaching Staff

First-round draft picks

Awards and honors

Staff Additions

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, the Boston Fleet announced that three additional coaches will be joining the team. [31] Jordan Smotherman will serve as assistant coach, bringing experience from multiple hockey organizations, including his roles as head coach of HC TWK Innsbruck and general manager/head coach of the Worcester Railers in the ECHL. [32] Derek Whitmore will become the Player Development Coach, as he brings experience from the role of assistant coach of the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League. Former professional ice hockey player, three-time Olympic medalist, and 2009 alumna of the University of New Hampshire, Kacey Bellamy will join the team as a Player Development Consultant. [33] Speaking about her new role, Bellamy stated, "I'm very excited to join the Boston Fleet and continue giving back to the game in a different way. The energy around the PWHL is inspiring, and being able to contribute to its growth here in Boston makes this role meaningful." [31]

Schedule

The Boston Fleet's 2025-26 schedule was released on October 1, 2025. [34] The schedule includes several notable changes from the previous season, including the increased number of home games to be played at Agganis Arena, reflecting the team's effort to expand their presence in the city. [35] The updated schedule includes a mix of long-standing rivalries as well as new matchups. Boston Fleet General Manager, Danielle Marmer, stated "There isn't a single opponent we can afford to overlook this season. The competitive balance in this league is incredible, and now with the addition of Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes the intensity and competitiveness are only going to rise. We know we'll need to bring our best effort every night and find a way to play consistent hockey throughout the season." [34] A full list of dates, opponents, and locations can be found on the 2025–26 Boston Fleet season page.

Partnerships and Sponsors

The Boston Fleet has accumulated many sponsors and partners over the past two years. The founding partner of the PWHL is Scotia Bank, which extends to the Boston Fleet as well as the other teams in the league. The team also has their own exclusive sponsors, with Sullivan Tire and Auto Service announcing their official partnership on November 21, 2025. The General Manager of the Boston Fleet, Danielle Marmer, put out a statement, remarking that “Partnering with a respected local company like Sullivan Tire is a meaningful step for our organization. Their commitment to the community aligns with how we want to represent this city, and we’re looking forward to working together this season.” [36] The Fleet Pro Series, presented by Sullivan Tire, is set to begin in December 2025.

Giving Back

The Boston fleet supports multiple initiatives to give back to their community, alongside the PWHL. One way they do this is through the Fleet Pro Series. this program offers youth and girls’ hockey organizations a unique opportunity to host a 50‑minute on‑ice practice led by professional Fleet players, followed by a 20‑minute photo and autograph session. This experience works to give young hockey players a firsthand taste of elite-level training and mentorship. [37]

The Fleet also hosts an array of unity, theme and giveaway games; supporting causes like Black History, Boston Strong, Mental Health Awareness and Pride. Additionally the team will host a Kids & Youth hockey game on March 21, 2026. [38]

Another way the team gives back is through the Boston Fleet website, where organizations are able to submit Donation Requests. "The Boston Fleet are excited to support organizations in our community that are making a positive impact. Donations are a meaningful way for us to give back and help create change. If you're seeking support, we welcome your request!" [39]

References

  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 . 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. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Courtney Kessel leaves PWHL's Boston Fleet to coach Princeton". ESPN.com. June 23, 2025. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Boston Fleet name Kris Sparre as head coach". thepwhl.com. July 23, 2025. Retrieved July 23, 2025.
  23. ↑ 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.
  24. ↑ 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.
  25. 1 2 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.
  26. ↑ 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.
  27. ↑ 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.
  28. 1 2 "Boston Fleet Roster". ThePWHL.com. Professional Women's Hockey League . Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  29. 1 2 "Boston Fleet announce 2025-26 roster". Professional Women's Hockey League. November 20, 2025. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  30. 1 2 "All eight PWHL teams announce regular season rosters". Sportsnet. November 20, 2025. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  31. 1 2 "BOSTON FLEET ANNOUNCE COACHING STAFF ADDITIONS FOR 2025-26 SEASON". www.thepwhl.com. October 15, 2025. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Boston Fleet Assistant Coach, Jordan Lavallee-Smotherman Talks About Their Upcoming Season". WWFX-FM. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Kacey Bellamy '09 Joins Boston Fleet Coaching Staff". University of New Hampshire Athletics. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  34. 1 2 "BOSTON FLEET ANNOUNCE 2025-26 SEASON SCHEDULE". www.thepwhl.com. October 1, 2025. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  35. ↑ McInerney, Katie (October 1, 2025). "Boston Fleet 2025-26 schedule released; four games set for Agganis Arena". Boston.com. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Sullivan Tire Drives Support for Women's Sports as Official Partner of the Boston Fleet | Sullivan Tire and Auto Service". www.sullivantire.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Grassroots Hockey". www.thepwhl.com. September 9, 2025. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Single Game Tickets". www.thepwhl.com. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Donation Requests". www.thepwhl.com. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
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