A trio of USA national team members - Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, and Aerin Frankel - have officially been announced as the inaugural free agent signings of PWHL Boston.

Boston's PWHL franchise has offically signed three of the biggest names in American women's hockey - Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, and Aerin Frankel.

“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 in a league press release. “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.”

Last season Frankel finished second in goaltending stats in the PWHPA playing for Team Adidas posting a 1.72 GAA and .937 save percentage in seven games. Frankel also backstopped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships going 5-1-0 with a 1.48 GAA and .932 save percentage.

“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.”

Prior to turning pro, Frankel was the back-to-back NCAA Goaltender of the Year playing for Northeastern, and also won the 2021 Patty Kazmaier Award as the NCAA's top player. In five NCAA seasons she posted a miraculous 103-19-13 record with 39 shutouts, alongside a 1.31 GAA and .949 save percentage. The 24-year-old hails from New York, New York.

“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.”

Last season Keller, 27, finished third in defensive scoring in the PWHPA playing for Team Scotiabank notching 12 points in 20 games. The longtime Team USA leader has won five World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold having made her senior national debut in 2015. The 5-foot-11 blueliner is an alumni of Boston College.

“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."

“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!”

Knight, 34, has nine World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold as a member of Team USA, including leading USA to gold at the 2023 Worlds. She scored a hat trick against Team Canada in the final. Knight has led the World Championships in scoring four times in her career, twice being named the tournament's best forward. Knight is the all-time leading scorer at the tournament with 101 points.

The 5-foot-11 forward was a founding member of the PWHPA after splitting her professional career between the CWHL's Montreal Canadiennes and Boston Blades, and the PHF / NWHL's Boston Pride. In 2015-2016 while playing for the Pride Knight led the league in scoring, and was the 2014-2015 CWHL MVP.

“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 cannot wait to get started.”

Knight made her Team USA debut in 2006-2007 before beginning her four year NCAA career at the University of Wisconsin where she won a pair of NCAA national championships.

“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!”