TORONTO, ON (September 7, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Boston franchise are goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Megan Keller, and forward Hilary Knight. The trio of 2023 IIHF World Women’s Championship gold medalists from the U.S. National Women’s Team have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“As a lifelong fan of Boston sports teams, I recognize the immense responsibility of building a team in this city given the high expectations of our fans, who are arguably the most passionate in all of sports,” said Danielle Marmer, General Manager of PWHL Boston.
“I’m thrilled to inform my fellow Boston fans that we have begun the process of building this team in a way that meets our city’s standards.
It’s both an honor and a privilege to announce that PWHL Boston has successfully signed three of the best women’s hockey players in the world.
“These remarkable individuals were the standout players in their respective positions on this year’s gold medal-winning IIHF championship team,” added Marmer.
“Beyond their exceptional skills, they exemplify team-first values and are outstanding individuals who I know will contribute positively to our city and will surely make all of us proud. Boston, you’ve always demanded excellence, and we are starting this the right way. I extend my congratulations to both the city and these incredible women. I eagerly anticipate our fans giving them a warm Boston welcome and witnessing the passionate support we are known for providing.”
Danielle Marmer GM of PWHL Boston
Aerin Frankel
Signs in familiar territory following a standout collegiate career at Northeastern University where she earned the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award for the 2020-21 season. Her recognition as a senior came in between two top-10 finishes for the national honor, leading her NCAA Division I competitors in goals-against-average, save percentage, winning percentage, and shutouts.
Following her graduate year with the Huskies, Frankel joined the PWHPA for the 2022-23 season, posting a stellar .937 save percentage in her first professional campaign.
The 24-year-old from Chappaqua, NY is fresh off her first World Championship title where she backstopped Team USA to victory over their Canadian rivals. The gold medal adds to her collection of two World Championship silvers from the 2021 and 2022 events.
“Boston is my home and the city that I love,” said Frankel.
“Having the opportunity to play here professionally in front of the greatest sports fans is a dream come true. I am honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Boston in the PWHL.”
Aerin Frankel
“Great teams have great goaltending, and I am beyond thrilled to announce the signing of Aerin Frankel to PWHL Boston,” said Marmer.
“Aerin is an elite goalie who has proven her ability to win at every level. Not only is she the ultimate competitor on the ice, but she’s the ultimate teammate off of it, and I couldn’t be more excited to have her join our group as one of our first three signings in PWHL Boston history.”
Megan Keller
Has been a prolific presence on the blue line everywhere she’s played, from Team USA, Boston College, and the PWHPA. She debuted with a silver medal for the U18 National Team in 2014 and has since added two Olympic medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and seven World Championship medals (5 Gold, 2 Silver) to her collection.
Keller attended Boston College from 2014-17, then returned after the 2018 Olympics to captain the Eagles as a senior, leading all NCAA defenders in all offensive categories and named a top-10 finalist for the 2018-19 Patty Kazmaier Award.
The 27-year-old from Farmington Hills, MI, turned pro with the PWHPA upon graduation and played three total seasons, most recently finishing among the top-3 defenders in scoring during 2022-23 competition.
“It’s truly an honor to be one of the first of many amazing players to sign a professional contract with the PWHL,” said Keller.
“While it’s only just the beginning for the PWHL, this historic moment would not have been possible without the sacrifices and commitment of the women who paved the way before us.
Thank you to the tireless efforts of many to help make this dream a reality for generations of hockey players to come. I’d especially like to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter along with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss for their leadership, vision, and generosity, helping to build a league alongside the voice of the players.
Lastly, thank you to Danielle Marmer and the entire Boston franchise for giving me the opportunity to play professional hockey for the greatest sports town in the World!”
Megan Keller
“Defense wins championships, and I’m proud to announce that our first signing of a defenseman is one of the best in the world in Megan Keller,” said Marmer.
“Not only is she a dominant defender, but she is also a major contributor on offense and an experienced leader on the ice and in the locker room. This is a great day for Boston!”
Hilary Knight
Is one of the game’s most recognizable names, serving more than 15 years as an integral member of Team USA.
The 34-year-old has notably represented her country at four Olympics (1 Gold, 3 Silver) and thirteen World Championships (9 Gold, 4 Silver) since 2007. Her nine World Championship golds and 13 overall medals are tied for the most all-time, while her hat-trick in April’s gold medal game extended her record point total to 101 in the IIHF’s top tournament.
The Sun Valley, ID native spent her NCAA tenure at the University of Wisconsin, where she was a three-time top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award and helped the Badgers win two National Championships.
As a pro, Knight debuted with the CWHL’s Boston Blades in 2012 and won two Clarkson Cups in three years.
She also played two PHF seasons as captain of the Boston Pride and led the inaugural season in scoring and captured the first Isobel Cup presented in 2016.
Knight returned to the CWHL for parts of two seasons with Les Canadiennes, and in 2019 became a founding member of the PWHPA where she has competed and served on the Board.
“The City of Boston and its fans have always held a special place in my heart,” said Knight.
“I am excited to return to Boston and honored by the opportunity to be a part of the original build of a successful franchise. This year will be historic in so many ways, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hilary Knight
“We’re creating a formidable offense in Boston beginning with the best building block a team could ever ask for in Hilary Knight,” said Marmer.
“I’m ecstatic that our fans will get to cheer on a legend of women’s hockey, and I’m looking forward to the experience and leadership qualities she will bring to our team!”
The PWHL player selection process officially opened on September 1 with an initial free agency period that continues through Sept. 10. Teams are permitted to sign three players to Standard Player Agreements during this time. The 2023 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Sept. 18 where Boston holds the third overall pick.
TORONTO, ON (September 6, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Minnesota franchise are forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek, and defender Lee Stecklein. The trio of U.S. Olympians have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“With the signing of three of the top players in the world, Minnesota cements its foundation as a team built on excellence,” said Natalie Darwitz, General Manager of PWHL Minnesota.
“Kendall, Lee, and Kelly’s world-class hockey skills and leadership qualities embody the level of excellence that the culture of Minnesota will be built on. We are thrilled they are the first three players to join Minnesota as we build a championship team.”
Natalie Darwitz GM PWHL Minnesota
Kendall Coyne Schofield
Joins PWHL Minnesota as one of hockey’s all-time great leaders, both on and off the ice. The speedy forward has served as Team USA’s captain since 2019 and representing her country has compiled three Olympic medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver), nine IIHF Women’s World Championship medals (6 Gold, 3 Silver), and several additional IIHF medals at the senior, U22, and U18 level.
The 31-year-old native of Palos Heights, IL had a prolific NCAA career at Northeastern University where she notably won the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award as a senior and Huskies’ captain in 2016 after being a top-10 finalist in 2013 and 2015.
Coyne Schofield played one season with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps in 2018-19 and won the Isobel Cup.
She became a founder of the PWHPA and played three seasons from 2019-21 and 2022-23 and served as President from 2019-23 leading into the formation of the PWHLPA.
“Signing this contract is a reflection of so many people who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality,” said Coyne Schofield.
“I’d like to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter and Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss for embracing this endeavor and building a league alongside the vision of the players. This is monumental, and it is only the beginning.”
Kendall Coyne Schofield
“Minnesota is elated to welcome Kendall to the team,” said Darwitz.
“Kendall is one of the premier faces of women’s hockey and was a catalyst for the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Kendall has already distinguished herself as a highly accomplished player and will have a tremendous impact on the team. She is a speedy, energetic, and dynamic two-way forward. We warmly welcome Kendall and her family to Minnesota!”
Kelly Pannek
Hails from Plymouth, MN and joins her home-state PWHL Minnesota team.
She is a two-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and five-time World Championship medalist (3 Gold, 2 Silver) with Team USA, and has experience donning the red, white, and blue sweater at the U18 and U22 level where she helped her team achieve podium finishes.
The 27-year-old played her NCAA career at the University of Minnesota from 2014-17 and returned for a senior season in 2018-19 following the 2018 Winter Olympics. Along with back-to-back National Championships (2015, 2016), Pannek led the nation in scoring and was a First-Team All-American and a Patty Kazmaier Award top-10 finalist in 2016-17.
She joined the PWHPA upon graduation and played the 2019-21 seasons and the 2022-23 campaign after the 2022 Olympic break.
“I could not be more excited to be a part of this new era of women’s professional hockey in Minnesota,” said Pannek. “I have always taken great pride in representing the State of Hockey throughout every stage of my career, and to do it now as a pro is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to work as a part of this organization to hopefully bring home more trophies to Minnesota!”
Kelly Pannek
Lee Stecklein
She is no stranger to the State of Hockey as a Roseville, MN native who played with Pannek at the University of Minnesota and with Coyne Schofield on the Minnesota Whitecaps over the course of her career.
A fixture on the Team USA blue line since joining the U18 program in 2010, the 29-year-old is a three-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 2 Silver) and eight-time World Championship medalist (6 Gold, 2 Silver), and has collected hardware in several other international tournaments.
Stecklein’s collegiate career featured three National Championships and two seasons as Golden Gophers captain as a junior and a senior.
As a member of the PHF’s expansion Whitecaps, she famously scored the overtime goal to secure an Isobel Cup title.
Stecklein then played in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and, upon her return from the 2022 Olympic break, won the Top Defender award in the 2022-23 season.
“I am honored to be part of the first wave of players to sign officially with the PWHL, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue my career in Minnesota,” said Stecklein. “Thank you to the women who stood united over these years and those who worked daily to make this league a reality!”
Lee Stecklein
“Minnesota extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Lee,” said Darwitz. “Lee is a two-way, highly respected defender whose experience and skill set will be a great addition to the team. Lee’s positive influence extends from the locker room to throughout the Minnesota hockey community. We are fortunate to sign a player of Lee’s caliber to our team.”
The PWHL player selection process officially opened on September 1 with an initial free agency period that continues through Sept. 10. Teams are permitted to sign three players to Standard Player Agreements during this time. The 2023 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Sept. 18 where Minnesota holds the first overall pick.
