Hilary Knight reacts to losing the Walter Cup final while still feeling immense pride in their team, season, the league, and their fans. LOWELL, MA—PWHL Boston was defeated in the most important game of the season. Not only were they defeated, they were shut out on the wrong end of a 44-17 shots on goal edge. In the third period, they mustered just three shots on Nicole Hensley. They failed to capture the first-ever Walter Cup on home ice in the 3-0 loss. Yet when Minnesota was tossing their gloves and jumping for joy at the sound of the buzzer, Boston’s fanbase let out one final cry of appreciation. The “Thank You Boston” chants echoed throughout the Tsongas Center. “It was pretty emotional,” admitted Jamie Lee Rattray after the game. “It was pretty special what we had here. Obviously we wanted to win on home ice, but they still stuck with us throughout the whole game. They were loud, and they showed up for us today.” They certainly did. It was standing room only in Lowell, as the 6,309 on hand to witness history came in waves to support their hometown team. Tickets sold out within 24 hours of them being released, and were selling on the resale market for upwards of $200. It’s what Rattray has dreamed of as a professional hockey player—and they did it in the most profound sports city in the world. “We were super excited to get to the rink today,” she said. “Just hearing the prices of the tickets and stuff like that, we can be super proud of that, especially in our market here in Boston.” For captain Hilary Knight, her appreciation resided in a similar area. It started with the group in the locker room. The group that defied all odds, clinching a postseason berth in their last regular season contest of the season. They weren’t supposed to be here. “It’s tough when you lose, especially a Game Five at home in front of amazing fans,” said Knight at the postgame podium. “When we came to the room, that’s all we were doing, is reflecting on how proud of our group we are.” But like Rattray, she couldn’t help but acknowledge the fans that showed up Wednesday. It puts everything in perspective for the hockey icon. “On one end of it, you’re just a human showing up to play the sport that you love,” she said. “And when you get out on the ice with the group, you see the young faces. You see faces from all over. “You realize how much you’re a part of something bigger than yourself.” With that in mind, Boston’s leadership group is optimistic for the future. “This year was a historic year,” Knight said. “It was tough and it was something that no player was ever used to. We built it, and we’re extremely ecstatic about where it is in year one.” Head coach Courtney Kessel couldn’t agree more. The PWHL has arrived. And it isn’t going anywhere. “We’re filling Tsongas,” said the coach. “We’re playing in front of thirteen thousand plus in Minnesota and in Detroit. I think this league took off and took off full throttle more than we could have ever imagined.”
