The Boston Fleet will face off against the Vancouver Goldeneyes for the first time tonight. The game will be played at Agganis Arena in Boston.
The Fleet started the season strong, winning their first two games. The Goldeneyes are still searching for their first regulation win, standing at 0-1-0-2.
Returns and Reunions
Not only are the two teams meeting for the first time, but it also carries added significance, as several players on the Goldeneyes' roster are returning to Boston tonight.
Emma Greco and Sydney Bard both joined the Goldeneyes ahead of their inaugural season, coming from Boston. Bard was selected by Vancouver in the Expansion Draft from Boston, while Greco signed with the Goldeneyes during the offseason after previously playing for Boston.
Ahead of the matchup, Bard spoke with the media about facing her former team.
“Boston brings a really gritty style of play. They are very heavy on the backend with Megan Keller anchoring their defence. They have some really skilled forwards. They try to play a complete game and are physical, and I think that plays into their identity," Bard said. "I think we have what it takes to match that and exceed the pressure that they'll bring us."
It is also a return for Goldeneyes defender Sophie Jaques, who returns to Boston, where she started her PWHL career.
For the Fleet, Abby Newhook will also be returning to familiar territory. The Agganis Arena, home of the Boston University Terriers, is well known to Newhook, a Boston College alum who has played there several times during her collegiate career.
Newhook scored her first PWHL goal against the Toronto Sceptres in the team's last game. She became the first Boston Fleet rookie to record a point this season.
Agganis Arena
The Fleet are seeking their first win at Agganis after losing twice there last season. The team's primary home is the Tsongas Center, but they played two games at Agganis Arena last season, and are set to play four games there this season.
The team also announced yesterday that they will play one game at TD Garden this season, home of the NHL Boston Bruins.
Boston Fleet To Announce First Game At TD Garden On April 11
The Boston Fleet will play their first ever home game at Boston's TD Garden, home to the NHL's Boston Bruins
Early Start
The Boston Fleet look to continue their early win streak. Fleet forward Susanna Tapani has been a top performer early on, contributing two goals and one assist in two games.
Tapani, Aerin Frankel, and Megan Keller were named to the PWHL Starting Six, honoring the top players each month. Tapani reflected on the team’s early success.
“We’ve had a strong start to the season, and we’re really looking forward to our first game at Agganis. I’m especially excited for the atmosphere, and this is a very special one for me also because I have some family coming to the game,” Tapani said. “It’ll be great to face a new opponent and see where we stack up. There is always a lot to improve in our game, and this is a new opportunity to do that.”
Looking ahead, this is the first of five meetings between the two teams this season. They will face off again on January 3rd in Detroit, March 10 in Vancouver, March 24 in Boston, and April 7 in Edmonton.
The puck drops at 7 PM in Boston as the two teams make history in the first-ever matchup.
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