Pride Plan to Run it Back with Roster Announcement

After a long period of silence this off-season the Isobel Cup Champion Boston Pride have made a statement: Run. It. Back. 

Albeit a little late, the Pride stuck to their word and made a massive announcement on Wednesday by announcing their full 2021-2022 roster. With a list of fresh faces and returning vets let’s break down Boston’s team. 

Returners

TikTok superstar and Pride forward Tori Sullivan battles with a member of the Minnesota Whitecaps during the Isobel Cup Final

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Jay

Pride fans have reason to be excited with the return of Captain Jillian Dempsey (F). Alongside her are her assistants Kaleigh Fratkin (D) and McKenna Brand (F). 

Award winners return to the Pride as well with 2020 Goaltender of the Year Lovisa Selander (19-4-0) tending the net for her third season. NWHL Foundation Award recipient, Fan’s Three-Star winner, and mother to Tito and Gordie Mallory Souliotis (D) also will lace up the skates in 2021-22. 

Other players returning include Christina Putigna (F), Sammy Davis (F), Meghara McManus (F), Taylor Wenczkowski (F), Tori Sullivan (F), Jenna Rheault (D), Paige Capistran (D), Lauren Kelly (D), and Victoria Hansen (G). 

Newcomers

New Pride forward Katelynn Russ celebrates a goal against her new team during the Lake Placid Bubble.

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Jay

Joining Boston’s roster from the Connecticut Whale are forwards Katelynn Russ and Kayla Friesen. With the loss of several centers and wingers this off-season, look for the former members of The Pod to make an immediate impact. 

Most interestingly is Abby Cook joining Boston’s D-core. An alumni of Boston University Cool spent her 2021 season with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Women’s League. She looks to bolster a defense that spent Lake Placid looking one piece short. 

That Weird Mix of Returning and Being New

Now departed center Lexie Laing celebrates a big goal in the Isobel Cup Final.

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Jay

Rounding out Boston’s roster is goaltender Katie Burt. Selected first overall by Boston in 2017, Burt spent the 2018-19 season with Boston garnering a 10-5-0 record with a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 GAA and earning her a trip to the All-Star Game in Nashville. Burt did not return for the 2019-20 or 2021 seasons, instead plying her trade with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.

Boston managed to bring back as many pieces of their championship winning roster to keep the culture intact. Boston’s star studded top line of Brand-Dempsey-Putigna looks set for another season full of scoring. Cook looks to add playmaking to the defense that Fratty and Mal bolster. Plus every newcomer brings a hunger for Isobel. 

Losses such as Mary Parker, Tereza Vanišová, Lexie Laing, and Carlee Turner hurt deep down. However, Colleen Coyle, Paul Mara, and Danielle Larouco have created a deadly team once again in Boston. 

The Boston Pride start their season November 6, 2021 against the Minnesota Whitecaps at Warrior Ice Arena. 

2021-2022 Boston Pride Roster

Forwards:

#9 Tori Sullivan 

#14 Jillian Dempsey 

#17 McKenna Brand 

#18 Taylor Wenczkowski

#19 Sammy Davis 

#21 Christina Putigna 

#23 Katelynn Russ*

#29 Kayla Friesen*

#42 Meghara McManus 

Defenders:

Abby Cook (Rookie)*

#4 Lauren Kelly

#12 Jenna Rheault 

#13 Kaleigh Fratkin 

#20 Paige Capistran

#47 Mallory Souliotis 

Goaltenders:

Katie Burt *

#33 Victoria Hansen 

#35 Lovisa Selander

*Indicates a new addition for the 2021-22 season