Keller’s Power Play Strike Seals Shutout Win as Fleet Sink Victoire 2-0 to Open Season

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The Boston Fleet kicked off Season Three of the PWHL yesterday afternoon with a decisive 2-0 shutout victory over the Montreal Victoire at the Tsongas Center, played before an energetic crowd of 5,166 fans. The win begins the new “Chapter Two” for the Fleet, erasing the memory of last season’s finish, which saw them miss the playoffs by a single point.

The team made news just before puck drop by announcing that defender Olivia Zafuto had been signed to a 10-day contract and was active for the game, wearing No. 73.

Early Goal, Frankel’s Brilliance Defines First

The Fleet wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 1:13 into the contest. Forward Susanna Tapani (1 G, 1 A) slid a shot toward the far post from the left wing half-wall, where it was deflected by Montreal defender Shiann Darkangelo past goaltender Ann-Marie Desbiens, giving Boston the early 1-0 lead. Assists went to Jamie Lee Rattray and Sophie Shirley.

The fast-paced first period ended 1-0 with no penalties called. Boston held a 13-9 shot advantage, but Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel was sharp, notably stopping a late flurry that included a shot from Marie-Phillip Poulin to close the frame. Coach Kris Sparre later called Frankel’s performance “outstanding.”

Power Play, Pressure, and the Captain’s Dagger

The second period was scoreless but featured a critical penalty sequence. Montreal’s Poulin was called for a double-minor (tripping and hooking) late in the period, a rarity that left the Fleet with 50 seconds remaining on the power play heading into the third.

The Fleet capitalized early in the final frame. After Montreal killed off the remainder of the double-minor, Poulin found herself back in the box at 1:24 for tripping. This time, the Fleet cashed in: Captain Megan Keller—who later described the style of play as “a lot more aggressive, more in-your-face hockey”—ripped a shot past Desbiens (26 saves on 28 shots) for her first goal of the season at 1:42. Tapani and Alina Muller registered the assists, giving Boston the crucial 2-0 cushion.

Montreal coach Kori Cheverie was asked after the game about the Fleet’s new coaching staff, stating that the style of play “did not look that different, the style was still the same even though players have left.” She praised her team’s penalty kill efforts but reserved her highest compliment for Desbiens, calling her play “outstanding in net.”

With Desbiens pulled for the extra attacker late, the Fleet defense held firm, securing the 2-0 shutout victory for Frankel, who finished with 25 saves.

First Win for Coach Sparre

For Fleet Head Coach Kris Sparre, the win marked his first victory as a head coach after spending 10 years as an assistant. He praised his team’s effort as “gritty” and was pleased with the way they started the game, expressing that he is “having a lot of fun coaching this group” and believes the team is deep up front. Frankel was equally excited to get the first win at home in front of the Tsongas Center fans.

The Fleet now take their 1-0 record on the road for the first time this season, heading to Toronto for a matchup next Saturday.