Abby Boreen will return to Minnesota for the first time as a member of the Montreal Victoire after a draft day swap that shocked many.
Abby Boreen will return to Minnesota for the first time as a member of the Montreal Victoire after a draft day swap that shocked many.
Following Abby Boreen's contributions to the Minnesota Frost in their inaugural season and their run to a Walter Cup title, no one expected the team to let her walk. When Minnesota stepped to the podium in Minnesota in the third round, most thought Minnesota coach Ken Klee would use his pick, 15th overall on Boreen. Instead, he selected Klara Hymlarova. Two picks later, the Montreal Victoire grabbed Boreen, and it's a move that has been paying dividends for Montreal.
For the first time since passing on Boreen, and her subsequent selection by Montreal, the power forward will return to St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center for a game, this time facing her former Minnesota Frost teammates as opponents.
“It's really good to be back in Minnesota, surrounded by my new family," said Boreen. "There's going to be a lot of excitement around this game, and it's going to be a good test for our group here. I am looking forward to playing them.”
Boreen started her season as Montreal's leading scorer through four games recording four points in the span. In fact she was the only member of the Montreal Victoire in the top 25 in league scoring.
This season marks the first in a decade that Boreen hasn't played in Minnesota. She spent her high school years at Hill-Murray School before playing for the University of Minnesota in the NCAA. She would have played full time in the PWHL during the league's inaugural season, but had committed to continuing her pharmacy education at Minnesota. Instead she played as a reserve scoring five points in nine regular season games.
Boreen isn't the only former Minnesota Frost player making her return. Clair DeGeorge who made Montreal's roster as a free agent invite spent last season in Minnesota winning a Walter Cup with the team as well.
Puck drop between the Frost and Victoire is scheduled for 2pm EST on December 28.