Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. ET | Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
WATCH LIVE: NESN, TSN+, TSN.ca, TSN App, PWHL YouTube (U.S. / International)
Jamie Hersch (Play-by-Play), Dave Starman (Analyst), Natalie Noury (Reporter)
MINNESOTA FROST
0-0-1-0 | 1 PTS | 5TH PLACE
Top Scorer: 8 players tied with one point each
Last Game: 4-3 OTL vs NY on Dec. 1
BOSTON FLEET
0-0-0-1 | 0 PTS | 6TH PLACE
Top Scorer: 3 players tied with one point each
Last Game: 3-1 L at TOR on Nov. 30
2024 SEASON SERIES: BOSTON WON 8-7 IN POINTS
Jan. 3 at BOS: 3-2 MIN | Jan. 27 at BOS: 4-3 BOS (OT) | Feb. 25 at MIN: 2-0 BOS | Mar. 13 at MIN: 4-0 MIN | Apr. 27 at MIN: 2-1 BOS
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Frost lost to New York in overtime, 4-3, in their season opener on Sunday. Minnesota won four of their seven games last season that went past regulation.
Minnesota outshot New York in the first period, 15-3, its largest shot differential in an opening period in team history. The 15 shots are tied for the Frost’s most in the first period of a game all-time, doing so on Feb. 25 and Mar. 24 of last season.
Grace Zumwinkle scored just 21 seconds into the game on Sunday, which is the fastest goal scored to start a game in PWHL history. Her 11 goals last season were tied for second most in the league behind Toronto’s Natalie Spooner.
Former Fleet defender Sophie Jaques led the Frost with seven shots on goal in Sunday’s opener.
Kendall Coyne Schofield (2G, 2A), Taylor Heise (2G, 2A) and Grace Zumwinkle (3G, 1A) led the Frost in points vs Boston during the inaugural season.
The Frost have three Boston-area connections including Northeastern alumnae Coyne Schofield, Denisa Křīžovā and seventh round draft pick Katy Knoll.
Minnesota made history their last time in Boston on May 29, winning the Walter Cup in Game 5 of the PWHL Finals 3-0.
Boston lost its season opener in Toronto on Saturday, 3-1. The Fleet totaled the fewest goals (22) on the road last season. Boston won its last five home games (four at Tsongas Center) after winning one of its first seven to start the season.
Hilary Knight scored the lone goal for the Fleet against the Sceptres, her first career PPG. She is one of two active PWHL players born before 1990, along with Jocelyne Larocque (TOR).
Aerin Frankel registered 38 saves on 40 shots for an opening weekend best 0.950 save percentage despite the loss.
Boston won three of their five matchups with Minnesota last season, splitting the two games at home. The Frost scored three goals in both road games against Boston while doing so two other times away from home against all other opponents (once at Ottawa, once at Montreal).
Alina Müller (2G, 2A) led the Fleet in regular season scoring against Minnesota.
Free agent signee Emma Greco is set to play her first game against her former team, suiting up in 22 games on the Minnesota blue line last season.
The Fleet’s roster features three players from Minnesota, including Hannah Brandt, Emily Brown and Sidney Morin.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“We made some great memories in Boston but this is a new season, and we need to play three good periods against a very good team. I liked our game Sunday, and thought we played hard in all three zones. If we play our game, good things happen and I’m looking forward to watching us work.” – Frost Head Coach Ken Klee.
“As we prepare for our home opener, it's an exciting moment for the Boston Fleet. We’ve worked tirelessly throughout the offseason to build a team that plays with intensity, discipline, and a commitment to our systems. Tonight, it’s about executing our game plan—pressuring the puck, playing strong in all three zones, and taking full advantage of our special teams. The energy of our home crowd will be a huge boost, and we're determined to make this a memorable start to our season at home.” – Fleet Head Coach Courtney Kessel.
WEDNESDAY’S GAME: The Boston Fleet will set sail on home ice for their 2024-25 home opener at UMass Lowell’s Tsongas Center. Choosing to be announced as a full team, Boston will dress all reserves and scratches for player introductions prior to puck drop, signifying “One Fleet.” There will also be a special activation brought to you by Hillberg & Berk, honoring the “Sparkle Fan of the Game,” during the third period.