Boston Fleet head coach Courtney Kessel made some changes to the lineup recently that helped the team soar into second place.
The first was the Fleet signing Kelly Babstock to a Standard Player Agreement on March 14th, 2025. Babstock was in the lineup Tuesday night against Montreal and saw just over five minutes of ice time, recording two hits and one shot on goal.
The 32-year-old wing has been with the Fleet for two seasons. She played four games with them last season, recording one assist.
Kessel highlighted what Babstock’s bringing to the Fleet team and said, "although Babs obviously brings physicality, in college she had 205 points... we can't forget how skilled of a hockey player she is. When you have the depth like that in your roster, you're set up for success."
The Fleet also activated Hadley Hartmetz off of long term injured reserve (LITR). The rookie was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 PWHL Draft by the Boston Fleet. She was signed to a one year Standard Player Agreement on Nov. 15, 2024.
The rookie had sustained a lower-body injury in March of 2024 while playing for Ohio State.
She entered the lineup for the first time on Tuesday night, and played just over six minutes.
Hartmetz described the most memorable moment during her PWHL debut and said, "the fans were really loud tonight. Sitting upstairs, you don't really hear it as much as on the ice."
Not only were the fans supportive, Hartmetz also said her experience was impacted by those around her. She what was also memorable for her was “the support from all my teammates when I would get in or make a good play or have a good shift."
Hartmetz replaced Sydney Bard in the lineup Tuesday night, who was given rest. Bard has played in 23 of the Fleet’s games this season.
Another change was Emma Soderberg started in net. Soderberg has played five games with the Fleet this season, however Tuesday was her first win.
Following the win, Soderberg said, “it feels good. I mean, I haven't had that strong [of a] season for me yet. So it's nice to get that first win, being out playing with the team, and having everyone fight out there for me."
Although the Fleet mainly rely on starting goaltender Aerin Frankel, having a back up win a game for them adds depth to the lineup.
The Fleet made these changes ahead of their final six games this season. They currently are in second place in the league with 40 points. They trail the Montreal Victoire, who have 45 points.
While the changes may not all be permanent to the future lineup, they helped the Fleet beat the Victoire in a shootout on Tuesday.
The Boston Fleet now prepare for next Wednesday, when they will face the Toronto Sceptres at Agganis Arena in Boston.