| PWHL Boston | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | Boston, Massachusetts |
| League | PWHL |
| Founded | 29 August 2023 (2023-08-29) |
| Home arena | Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell |
| Colors | Forest green, gray, white |
| Owner(s) | Mark Walter Group |
| General manager | Danielle Marmer |
| Head coach | Courtney Kessel |
| Captain | Hilary Knight |
| Website | boston.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).
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]
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]
| No. | Nat | Player | Pos | S/G | Age | Acquired | Birthplace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 
|
Caitrin Lonergan | F | R | 26 | 2024 | Roslindale, Massachusetts |
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]
| 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) |
Teams will also carry 3 reserve players for 2024 season
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Professional women's hockey seasons
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| NWHL |
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| PWHL |
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| Clarkson Cup |
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| Isobel Cup |
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