Boston Fleet: Training Camp is Underway

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It has been six months since the Boston Fleet was last on the ice, and in that time, the team has undergone a radical transformation. A new coaching staff is in place, and the roster turnover has been significant, whether through the expansion draft, the entry draft, or free agency.

The most impactful news of the summer was the departure of the franchise’s biggest star: Hilary Knight. The most recognizable name on the roster was left unprotected and is now playing 3,000 miles away with the Seattle franchise.

What does all of this mean? Simply put, Chapter One of the Boston Fleet is finished.

Chapter Two began in earnest on Monday morning, November 10, with the opening of training camp. Thirty-two players showed up ready to compete for just 26 roster spots under the leadership of new head coach Kris Sparre.

A year ago, Sparre was coaching an AHL team in San Diego. When former coach Courtney Kessell decided to pursue and eventually accept the opening at Princeton University, GM Danielle Marmer conducted a national search for the second coach in franchise history. Sparre was officially hired after a thorough interview process.

The New Coach’s Priorities: “Establish Perfection”

After his first day on the ice with the team, Sparre outlined his top three priorities:

Establish perfection (which he admitted is “very hard”).
Connect as a team.
Evaluate the players currently in camp.

With Knight gone, a new leadership structure must be established. When asked what defines a leader, Sparre’s answer was insightful: “being great at the right moment.”

Sparre also spoke about the difficult but ultimately rewarding process of getting to know his new team over the summer. He expressed immediate approval, stating he “likes this team” and, for the moment, doesn’t see a significant difference between coaching the men’s or women’s game.

Frankel and Keller Embrace the Leadership Void

Two players who may be key to filling the leadership vacuum are goaltender Aerin Frankel and defensewoman Megan Keller. Both recently returned from national team duties, having participated in a highly competitive Rivalry Series with Team Canada last week.

Frankel expressed her enthusiasm, saying she was “excited to be back” and focused on starting the season the “right way.” She was complimentary of her new coach, calling Sparre “upbeat and motivated.”

Keller believes the rebuilt team has “something to prove.” She echoed the sentiment that the six months off was a long time to be away and thought the first day of camp was “really good.” When asked about Sparre, Keller noted that “he brings lots of energy.” She is particularly excited to be on the ice with the team’s new draft picks and free-agent acquisitions, signaling a fresh wave of talent ready to compete.

The transition is complete, and the stage is set for a pivotal season in Boston. With the ghosts of Chapter One finally laid to rest, the new-look Fleet, under the spirited guidance of Coach Sparre, is embracing a clean slate. The mantra of “something to prove” articulated by veteran leaders like Keller and Frankel will define the team’s identity. As the remaining roster spots are decided, the coming weeks will determine which players possess the right blend of “perfection” and timely “greatness” to write a championship-caliber Chapter Two for the Boston Fleet and their demanding fanbase.