Aerin Frankel, Boston's Green Monster in net, struck again in Game 4 of the PWHL finals shutting out Minnesota in a 1-0 double overtime thriller of epic proportions.
Aerin Frankel, Boston's Green Monster in net, struck again in Game 4 of the PWHL finals shutting out Minnesota in a 1-0 double overtime thriller of epic proportions.
When you think of the Green Monster, many things may come to mind.
It could be Red Sox legend David Ortiz pelting a blast over the 37-foot-2-inch-high wall stationed in left field of the timeless Fenway Park.
Maybe it’s the particular “smash” sound that echos off the surface when a ball is pelted off its outer layer.
You could simply appreciate its ability to serve as a symbol of America’s pastime.
Regardless of what the Massachusetts landmark has meant to you, there’s a new Green Monter in town.
Her name is Aerin Frankel.
The PWHL Boston netminder has stopped 245 of 257 shots faced in seven playoff contests this spring. In seven overtime periods, she hasn’t been beaten.
She wears green, and she’s a monster in Boston’s six-by-four. It’s perfect.
Frankel was no different in a pivotal Game 4 against Minnesota in a win-or-go-home situation with their season on the line. She made 33 saves as Boston stole a double-overtime win to send the series back to Lowell for a decisive Game 5.
What did head coach Courtney Kessel see from her goaltender?
“I think we’ve seen that she’s the green monster,” she said.
“Her ability to stay calm through all these ups and downs and her ability to keep us in games and win games for us, and that’s what you want headed into the championship,” Kessel continued. “If you have a hot goalie, you can win.”
In fact, it was Kessel who informed Frankel of her new nickname circulating social media.
“Coach actually sent it to me, and I was laughing,” said Frankel. “I thought it was funny. My teammates have started saying it as a joke.
“It’s cool because Boston is one of the greatest sports cities, and obviously, that’s a big part of the history at Fenway Park. I think it’s cool.”
Frankel has embraced her new patented tag.
“You just got to force yourself to,” Frankel said of staying locked in after Minesotta’s goal was overturned. “You don’t have the option. We made it that far into the (third) overtime, so at that point, you’re playing for everyone in our locker room. It’s a family, so it doesn’t matter how tired you are. Everyone competes until the job is finished.”