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Boston Signing Summary (Live Tracker)

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by PWHL

Stay up to date on all official signings as Boston builds its roster for the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.

Boston currently has 20 players under contract including forwards Hannah Brandt, Shiann Darkangelo, Loren Gabel, Taylor Girard, Hilary Knight, Nicole Kosta, Alina Müller, Jamie Lee Rattray, Theresa Schafzahl, and Sophie Shirley, defenders Emily Brown, Emma Buckles, Jessica DiGirolamo, Kaleigh Fratkin, Jess Healey, Sophie Jaques, and Megan Keller, and goaltenders Aerin Frankel, Cami Kronish, and Emma Söderberg.

DEC. 11: CAMI KRONISH (G) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Kronish capped her collegiate tenure in the best way possible, posting a 31-save shutout victory to lead the University of Wisconsin Badgers to a 2023 NCAA National Championship. She earned recognition as the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Most Outstanding Performer and a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Throughout the 2022-23 season, the 23-year-old New York native started 30 games with a 21-8-2 record including eight shutouts, a goals-against-average of 1.56, and a save percentage of .932. She was a WCHA Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten honouree four-straight years.

“We are thrilled to have added Cami Kronish to our roster. Coming off a shutout in her national championship win with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, Kronish has proven success facing some of the most dynamic goal scorers in college hockey. Kronish provides us with incredible depth in the goaltender position. She not only has size, but she’s athletic and has impressive instincts. We are very fortunate to have three goaltenders who we’re confident putting in the net on any given night, and we are dedicated to nurturing her growth and development within the pro game.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

NOV. 10: NICOLE KOSTA (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Kosta has seven seasons of professional experience dating back to the 2016-17 campaign with the PHF’s Connecticut Whale. She then played two years with the CWHL’s Markham Thunder and won a Clarkson Cup title alongside Jamie Lee Rattray in 2018. Her last four years have been served as a steadfast member of the PWHPA. The 30-year-old from Sudbury, Ontario attended Quinnipiac University and played with fellow signee Shiann Darkangelo and General Manager Danielle Marmer. She was a three-time ECAC Hockey Third Team selection and is the second all-time leading scorer in program history.

“Nicole brings a ton of professional playing experience and versatility to our roster. With the ability to play up and down the lineup, she is a player who can find success on any line and in any role. Nicole’s vision, motor, and ability to win pucks back to extend offensive possessions brings immediate value to our lineup.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I'm excited to sign with Boston, the greatest sports city in the world! I'm looking forward to puck drop in January and accomplishing great things with this group.” – Nicole Kosta

NOV. 9: LOREN GABEL (F) – ROUND 4, 22ND OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)

Gabel was dominant during the 2022-23 PHF season with the Boston Pride earning MVP and Outstanding Player of the Year awards among her accolades. Her 40 points in 22 games tied a single season record, while her 20 goals and 20 assists were also league leaders. The 26-year-old from Kitchener, Ontario played three PWHPA seasons following an impressive NCAA career at Clarkson University that featured back-to-back National Championships and the 2019 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. She also represented Canada and won bronze at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

“We are very fortunate to have Loren back in Boston. She is a dynamic, shifty forward with one of the quickest releases we have seen in women's hockey. She has the ability to change the game with her natural goal-scoring instincts. She is a Patty Kazmaier winner and has represented Hockey Canada at the U18, U22, and national levels.” - Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“I am absolutely thrilled to continue my professional hockey career in the vibrant city of Boston. The dedicated fan base fills me with excitement and pride, and I cannot wait to lace up my skates and give my all to contribute to the team’s success in this iconic city.” – Loren Gabel

NOV. 9: SHIANN DARKANGELO (F) – ROUND 12, 70TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Darkangelo led the PHF’s Toronto Six to their first Isobel Cup title and served as the only captain in the franchise’s three-year history. She scored a career-high 25 points in 24 games during the 2022-23 campaign and is the club’s all-time leader in all offensive categories. Professionally, the 29-year-old from Brighton, Michigan also suited up for the Connecticut Whale in 2015-16, won a championship with the Buffalo Beauts in 2016-17, played two CWHL seasons, and one with the PWHPA. The Quinnipiac University graduate won gold with the U.S. National Women’s Team at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

“Shiann is the type of player and teammate every coach dreams of having on their team. She's one of the most disciplined athletes in the game and the epitome of a true professional. Not only is she detail-oriented and committed to playing the game the right way, but she also embodies a team-first mentality. Shiann brings a wealth of leadership and professional playing experience to the team, having competed in the CWHL, PWHPA, and PHF, and representing the USA at U18 and senior IIHF world championships. Boston has unquestionably become a stronger team with Shiann's reliable, two-way style of play on the ice, as well as her invaluable leadership and camaraderie in the locker room.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Boston team in the inaugural season of the PWHL. I look forward to meeting my teammates and working towards a championship.” – Shiann Darkangelo

NOV. 8: JESSICA DIGIROLAMO (D) – ROUND 6, 34TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)

DiGirolamo is representing Canada in the first two games of the 2023-24 Rivalry Series against the United States which marks her National Team debut after several development and selection camp invites. The 24-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario turned pro in 2022-23 as a member of the PWHPA following five NCAA seasons at Syracuse University. The two-year Orange captain was twice named CHA Best Defenseman and was also selected All-CHA First Team her final two seasons. She graduated as the program leader in career goals and points by a defender.

“Jess is a strong all-around, two-way defenseman. She is a great teammate and has an infectious personality that her teammates gravitate towards. Jess captained Syracuse and has had the opportunity to represent Canada at the U18 and U22 levels. With our strong belief in development here in Boston, we look forward to watching Jess' career fully take off.” - Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“I'm wicked excited to be playing for Boston and can’t wait to head over to the east coast and get right to work!” – Jessica DiGirolamo

NOV. 8: TAYLOR GIRARD (F) – ROUND 9, 51ST OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)

Girard tied for third in PHF scoring last season with 28 points in 24 games for Connecticut and was a constant threat on special teams tallying four power play goals and a league-leading four shorthanded markers. The 25-year-old from Macomb, Michigan turned pro in 2021-22 after a NCAA career spanning three seasons at Lindenwood University followed by two at Quinnipiac University. She was the Whale’s first overall draft pick and led all collegiate rookies with 24 points in 20 games to earn the league’s Newcomer of the Year award.

“I've had the privilege of witnessing Taylor's game evolve since she transferred to Quinnipiac, and I've been consistently impressed by the impact she's had on every team she's played for. In college, she displayed dynamic and effortless skating, but during her time in the professional game, she really honed her playmaking and finishing abilities, making her an incredibly dangerous and exciting player. Signing Taylor not only adds speed but also an offensive threat to our lineup.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I am honored and grateful to be joining Boston for the inaugural PWHL season. Boston is an awesome city with the best fans! I’m excited to put the jersey on and get to work with this team!” – Taylor Girard

NOV. 7: KALEIGH FRATKIN (D) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Fratkin is the highest scoring defender in PHF history with 86 points in 138 career games, and one of only four players who competed in all eight of the league’s full seasons between 2015-23. The 31-year-old spent the first year with the Connecticut Whale, one with the New York Riveters, followed by six with the Boston Pride where she won back-to-back Defender of the Year awards (2020 & 2021), and Isobel Cup titles (2021 & 2022). Prior to the PHF, the Burnaby, British Columbia native attended Boston University then played one CWHL season with the 2014-15 Clarkson Cup champion Boston Blades.

“I am very pleased to announce the signing of Kaleigh Fratkin to PWHL Boston. Kaleigh brings invaluable professional playing experience, having competed in the CWHL and PHF before joining our roster. She plays a punishing, shutdown defensive style that frustrates opponents while also showing an impressive ability to drive plays from the back end and contribute on offense. With her collegiate career at Boston University and seven years of representing the city of Boston in the pro game, we’re incredibly excited for Kaleigh to continue her career in this city.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I’m thrilled to continue my professional career in Boston! I’ve been fortunate enough to play seven professional seasons in this city following my four years at Boston University and I can’t wait to share another year with the best sports fans in the world. While I can still pronounce my “R’s”, I truly consider myself a Bostonian and can’t wait for the season to start!” – Kaleigh Fratkin

NOV. 6: EMILY BROWN (D) – ROUND 8, 46TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Brown turned pro last season and competed as a member of the PWHPA following five years at the University of Minnesota, serving two seasons as co-captain. Highlights of her NCAA tenure include three-straight All-WCHA Second Team honors, and All-WCHA Third Team recognition during the 2021-22 campaign to finish her career second in games played and top-10 for all-time points and goals by a Golden Gophers defender. The 24-year-old from Blaine, Minnesota won gold at the 2016 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and made her U.S. National team debut in the 2022-23 Rivalry Series.

“Emily brings experience and reliability to our defense core. With five years in the WCHA, one year in the PWHPA, and representing the U.S. in under-18, under-22, and the 2022-23 Rivalry Series, Emily has extensive experience defending against and shutting down the best players in the game. Her signing makes us a hard team to play against.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I couldn’t be more excited to be in Boston and to get to work with the group that Danielle Marmer and Courtney Kessel have assembled. I want to thank them both for the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I have heard nothing but great things about the city of Boston and I'm looking forward to experiencing firsthand the excitement and passion that Boston hockey fans have. See you at the rink soon!” – Emily Brown

NOV. 3: JESS HEALEY (D) – ROUND 15, 87TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Healey brings four seasons of professional experience to Boston including the 2022-23 campaign with the PHF’s Buffalo Beauts where she recorded seven points in 24 games. She also spent three years overseas with HV71 of the SDHL between 2018-21 and served as both an alternate captain and captain while producing 79 points in 105 games. The 27-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and holds a gold medal from her time representing Canada at the 2014 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

“Jess plays an exciting physical, two-way game that aligns with our vision for the team. We want our D to play a physical and hard-to-play-against style while actively contributing to the offense. Jess excels in both aspects. Her experience representing Canada at the U18 level and her leadership roles at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and HV71 in the SDHL, coupled with her professional experience in the PHF, bring invaluable leadership and professional playing experience to our team.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Boston organization in the PWHL. It is such an exciting time and milestone for women’s hockey, and I feel lucky to be a part of history. The support I have received from my family, friends, teammates, and staff has been incredible and I can’t wait for the season to start. It is going to be such a great year growing this sport in this amazing city and creating a path for the generations to come. See you at puck drop, lets go Boston!” – Jess Healey

NOV. 3: HANNAH BRANDT (F) – ROUND 5, 27TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Brandt is a two-time Olympian winning gold in 2018 and silver in 2022 with the U.S. National Women’s Team. She cracked the Team USA lineup when she was 18 and played in five IIHF Women’s World Championships between 2012-22 compiling three gold and two silver medals. The 29-year-old from Vadnais Heights, Minnesota attended the University of Minnesota where she was a four-time Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist and three-time National Champion. As a pro, she won the 2019 Isobel Cup with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps, and competed with the PWHPA from 2019-21, and 2022-23.

“We are beyond excited that Hannah has signed in Boston. With a history of winning championships at the NCAA, Worlds, and Olympic levels, Hannah brings unparalleled success and a winning mindset. Her teammates describe her as the ‘glue’ of the locker room, making her an invaluable addition to our team.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I am so grateful and excited for the opportunity to play for Boston, it's such an amazing city with incredible fans. I can't wait to get down to Beantown and get to work with the team!” – Hannah Brandt

NOV. 2: EMMA BUCKLES (D) – ROUND 13, 75TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Buckles is no stranger to Boston having spent five years at Harvard University between 2017-22. The former Crimson captain led her team’s blue line with a career-high 17 points her final year and earned ECAC Hockey First-Team All-Leage and All-Ivy First-Team honors. She shared her U18 experience with fellow signee Sophie Shirley, helping Canada bring home a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. The 24-year-old from Toronto, Ontario got her first taste of pro hockey competing last season as a member of the PWHPA.

“Emma is a steady, reliable defender with a great shot. She's a natural leader and captained Harvard in her senior year. Emma has an impressive work ethic and demonstrates resilience in overcoming any challenges she encounters. We look forward to adding her to our D-core and bringing her back to Boston.” - Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“Being a part of this group is a dream come true. I’m so excited to be a part of this team and get things started in Beantown. Can’t wait to see you all so soon at the rink!” – Emma Buckles

NOV. 2: SOPHIE SHIRLEY (F) – ROUND 11, 63RD OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)

Shirley helped the University of Wisconsin win three National Championships in a five-year period with Frozen Four titles in 2019, 2021, and 2023. She recorded 188 points in 178 career games as a Badger and was a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award twice. Before her NCAA tenure, she suited up for the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno at age 18 and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. At 24-years-old, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native recently attended Canada’s National Women’s Team camp, and has previous international experience at the U18 level where she won two silver medals.

“Sophie is a fast and agile offensive threat who plays with pace and adds speed to our lineup. She knows what it takes to win as she is a three-time national champion at the University of Wisconsin. She is a young player who will benefit from the quality of hockey this league will provide, as well as our emphasis on development in Boston.” – Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“I am thrilled to have signed my first professional contract in a city as great as Boston. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the hockey community and fans. I look forward to getting to work with the new PWHL Boston staff, as well as my new teammates.” – Sophie Shirley

NOV. 1: THERESA SCHAFZAHL (F) – ROUND 7, 39TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)

Schafzahl spent the past five seasons with the University of Vermont where she graduated as the top scorer in program history at nearly a point-per-game average. She was a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist for her 46-point campaign in 2021-22, then recorded 45 points in 2022-23 while serving as the Catamounts captain and earned recognition as a Hockey East First Team All-Star for the second straight year. The 23-year-old from Weiz, Austria represented her country annually between 2014-22 winning three IIHF Women’s World Championship medals in D1A competition.

“Theresa is an elite playmaker and finisher, but it’s her competitiveness that makes her such a special player. While her records and accolades speak for themselves, it’s Theresa’s drive to improve her game that excites me about having her on our team. In Boston, there will be a strong emphasis on player development, and I look forward to seeing her continue to advance her game.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I am so excited to join Boston and be part of the city's rich women's sports history and culture. Getting the chance to play professional hockey against the best players in the world is a dream come true, and I am beyond grateful for all the people who have helped me get here. I can't wait for the season to start. Go Boston!” – Theresa Schafzahl

OCT. 31: JAMIE LEE RATTRAY (F) – ROUND 3, 15TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)

Rattray is one of the most experienced and decorated members of Canada’s National Women’s Team. The 31-year-old from Kanata, Ontario won Olympic gold in 2022 and has amassed six medals at various IIHF Women’s World Championships since 2015 including two gold, three silver, and one bronze. She’s also enjoyed success in the collegiate and pro ranks with a 2013-14 National Championship and Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award highlighting her NCAA tenure at Clarkson University, followed by a 2017-18 Clarkson Cup and league MVP recognition part of a five-year CWHL career with the Brampton/Markham Thunder. Her four-year stretch with the PWHPA was also capped with a 2023 title.

“We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jamie in Boston. Jamie knows what it takes to win. She is a highly versatile player, having played in various roles on the national team, and most importantly, she is a great teammate and leader. Jamie has had several opportunities to represent Team Canada, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2022. She was also named the Patty Kazmaier Award winner for the best college player during her senior year at Clarkson.” – Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“I’m feeling extremely grateful to be a part of such a special group. I can’t wait to help build another Boston sports franchise that this sports crazed city can cheer for!” – Jamie Lee Rattray

OCT. 31: EMMA SÖDERBERG (G) – ROUND 10, 58TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)

Söderberg was selected Swedish Player of the Year shortly after a brilliant performance between-the-pipes at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship where she was named a Tournament All-Star. The 25-year-old Olympian was also standout throughout her NCAA career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, capped by WCHA Goaltender of the Year honors. She set the Bulldogs all-time record with 23 career shutouts and a new single season mark with 12 shutouts during a 2022-23 campaign that yielded a 1.39 goals-against-average and .938 save percentage.

“I'm ecstatic to have signed Emma to our team. She has had incredible success at the NCAA level and on the international stage, earning WCHA Goaltender of the Year, Swedish Player of the Year, and an IIHF All-Star award, to name a few. Emma is also no stranger to being part of an elite goalie duo and has consistently improved her game, whether as a starter or not. In building a team it was my goal to have a goalie pairing in which I’d have full confidence in either goalie being in net on any given night, and we absolutely have that with our Frankel and Söderberg duo. I value a goaltending pair where our goalies can compete, challenge, learn from, and support each other, and I can’t wait to see that transpire this season.” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“I’m super excited about signing with Boston! I’m very grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to start this journey with my new teammates and to see what we can accomplish as a team in this new league!” – Emma Söderberg

OCT. 30: ALINA MÜLLER (F) – ROUND 1, 3RD OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)

Müller was the first international player chosen in the inaugural PWHL Draft and is already one of the most distinguished players in Swiss women’s hockey history where she has represented her country annually since 2012. The 25-year-old has notably appeared in seven top division IIHF Women’s World Championships, and three Olympics, including 2014 where she won a bronze medal, and 2018 where she led the tournament in scoring. The recent Northeastern University graduate is the program’s all-time leader in points and assists and was a five-time finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.

“I am thrilled to announce the signing of Alina Müller to PWHL Boston. Alina is an incredibly talented hockey player. She is a natural goal scorer, has a hockey IQ that is off the charts, and more importantly is a great teammate and person. There is no doubt that she will have a tremendous impact on this team. She has already made a name for herself in Boston with her record-setting career at Northeastern, and we can’t wait to have her represent this amazing city for at least another three years!” – Danielle Marmer, General Manager

“Boston is my home away from home, and I cannot wait to start my professional career with PWHL Boston. The quality of players and staff on the team is incredible, and I am so excited for the puck to drop in January and to compete against the best players in the world. See you soon, Boston fans!” – Alina Müller

OCT. 27: SOPHIE JAQUES (D) – ROUND 2, 10TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)

Jaques was named the 2023 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award recipient, becoming the first Ohio State player and just the second defender all-time to earn the top individual honor in NCAA Division I women’s hockey. She led the country in scoring among defenders with 48 points including 24 goals this season, and took home WCHA Defender of the Year honors a second straight year. She graduated as the highest scoring blue liner in Buckeyes program history, and with a 2022 National Championship to her credit. The 23-year-old native of Toronto, ON recently attended fall camp for Canada’s National Women’s Team.

“We are really looking forward to having Sophie in Boston. She had five tremendous years playing in the WCHA, which included leading her team to the program’s first national championship and winning the Patty Kazmaier Award last season. Sophie is a threat every time she has the puck on the blue line. We aim to have a strong emphasis on development here in Boston, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her playing career.” – Courtney Kessel, Head Coach

“I am so excited to have signed and to get to play for Boston this upcoming season! Can’t wait to meet everyone and get started!” – Sophie Jaques

SEPT. 7: AERIN FRANKEL (G), MEGAN KELLER (D), HILARY KNIGHT (F)

All three players agreed to terms on three-year deals as part of the PWHL’s initial free agency period.

Final team rosters must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.