Pride Re-Sign NWHL Defender of the Year
Fratty's back!
The Boston Pride announced Friday that they had re-signed reigning NWHL Defender of the Year Kaleigh Fratkin for the 2020-21 season. Fratkin is now the 4th member of the 24-1 Pride to return for next season. One of the 8 players who have been in the league since its inception, Fratkin has also suited up for the Metropolitan Riveters and Connecticut Whale in her career, but really broke out offensively with the Pride. She lead the team with a +33 this season, and tallied a career-high 3 goals and 20 assists for 23 points in 24 games. This brought her career totals to 11 goals and 49 assists for 60 points in 87 games, making her the highest scoring defender in league history.
The native of Burnaby, British Columbia won the Slalom Hardest Shot Competition at the NWHL All-Star game this year with a blast that measured at 76 MPH.
.@fratkin13 WINS THE HARDEST SHOT WITH 76 MPH! ⭐️#2020NWHLAllStarWeekendpic.twitter.com/KXNJoAW6Vr
— Boston Pride (@TheBostonPride) February 9, 2020
"It’s wild to think I’m entering my sixth season in the NWHL and another year of pro hockey with the Pride," said Fratkin. "The organization is first-class at every level, with so many people working hard behind-the-scene to give us every opportunity to succeed. I can’t wait to play another season and get that Isobel Cup!"
Coach Paul Mara was practically giddy to see his star defender return for her fourth consecutive season as a member of the Pride.
"Fratty was one of our MVPs this season, so we're so pumped she’s returning," he said. "She’s a leader and she’s relentless. Sometimes I feel bad for our players going up against her in practice because Fratty never lets up. Can’t imagine what it’s like for our opponents."
Prior to turning pro, Fratkin totaled 66 points in 151 games at Boston University, and was selected to the Hockey East All-Tournament and Hockey East First Team All Star Teams in her senior season. After graduation, she was a member of the Clarkson Cup-winning Boston Blades in 2015. That same year, she won a gold medal with Team Canada's U22 program at the Nations Cup. She also has a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2009 U-18 Women's World Championship to her credit. She works in marketing for Under Armour, and has spent time as a color analyst for select Women's Hockey East matchups on NESN.
But who could forget her shootout attempt at the All-Star Game this year?
.@fratkin13 and @cputigna or @ThePaulieMara and @militiahd?? You decide.#2020NWHLAllStarWeekendpic.twitter.com/TGAZscFGp9
— Boston Pride (@TheBostonPride) February 9, 2020
Or her knack for stylish celebrations?
“I get really excited when we score, so I’ve fallen a couple of times when I celebrate.” - @fratkin13Yeah, we know, Fratty. #ThePack 🦁 pic.twitter.com/rab1XtWlSg
— Boston Pride (@TheBostonPride) March 10, 2020
Yeah. Fratty's back. And the league should be terrified that she is.