Here's a season preview of PWHL Boston's strengths, team defense, x-factors, and one question approaching their inaugural season.
Here's a season preview of PWHL Boston's strengths, team defense, x-factors, and one question approaching their inaugural season.
PWHL Boston looks like a potential leader in the PWHL. Top to bottom they have a strong roster but it's not without fallibility.
Strengths
It's hard not to see the netminding duo of Aerin Frankel and Emma Soderberg as a distinct strength. They're two of the most accomplished netminders on the planet right now, and will give Boston a chance to win every night. At the top end, Boston's offense should provide scoring through Hilary Knight, Alina Muller, and Loren Gabel. Perhaps an overlooked strength on Boston's lineup is the two-way depth and experience they've brought in that might not find a home on their top line. Shiann Darkangelo is a powerful forward who can contribute at both ends of the ice. Darkangelo led the Toronto Six to an Isobel Cup last season, and her leadership, and willingness to play any role to win will be much welcomed. Aside from Darkangelo, the addition of Gigi Marvin will reap rewards on and off the ice for USA, as will the versatile play of Jamie Lee Rattray, and the face-off acumen of Taylor Wenczkowski.
Team Defense
Boston's defense will also include the two-way play of Wenczkowski, Rattray, and Marvin, who will certainly see reps on the blueline this year whether it's on the powerplay or even strength. The waiver pick up of Sidney Morin was a boost to the depth of Boston's blueline, which already included a well rounded group including Kaleigh Fratkin, Megan Keller, and Jessica Digirolamo who look like locks at top four minutes. Boston's depth which also includes Emily Brown and Jess Healey is excellent insulation for first year pro Sophie Jaques. Jaques has immense offensive upside, and elements to her game you can't teach. What she lacks, can be taught, and she could be one of the PWHL's most improved players by seasons end learning from and alongside a group of six experienced pros. Given where the Patty Kazmaier winner is starting, that bodes well for Boston, and untapping Jaques' sky high potential to be a core contributor for years to come.
X-Factors
Gigi Marvin was a player few saw coming out of retirement until her name appeared on the PWHL's draft eligibility list. In Utica, she looked poised, and as capable as ever. With more reps, Marvin will only get better this season, which as a long time USA national team stalwart, bodes well. She also brought a calming presence to the ice, and at times, a physical edge. The other x-factor player on Boston's roster is the aforementioned Jamie-Lee Rattray. Considered Canada's Swiss Army knife, Rattray brings speed, scoring, and physicality to Boston's lineup. When times get tough, Rattray will rise, bringing her teammates with her.
One Question
Montreal and Toronto are tied for the second most 30+ aged players up front. The team with the most? Boston with seven. In a league where many players are entering the season with minimal reps over recent seasons, particularly many of these veterans, the question begs how Boston's eldest players will stand the wear and tear of a full season filled with travel, daily team practices, and training, and sprinkled with international competitions? It's a group that includes Knight, Marvin, Rattray, Darkangelo, Hannah Brandt, Amanda Pelkey, and Nicole Kosta. Any loss to this veteran presence could cause issues.