Hilary Knight, Megan Keller and Aerin Frankel sign with Boston’s PWHL team
Boston’s PWHL team has announced they have signed forward Hilary Knight, defender Megan Keller and goaltender Aerin Frankel to three-year deals.
The trio are the first signings in franchise history. As with all PWHL deals so far, terms of the deals have not been disclosed.
“These remarkable individuals were the standout players in their respective positions on this year’s gold medal-winning IIHF championship team,” said Danielle Marmer, the Boston GM. “Beyond their exceptional skills, they exemplify team-first values and are outstanding individuals who I know will contribute positively to our city and will surely make all of us proud. Boston, you’ve always demanded excellence, and we are starting this the right way. I extend my congratulations to both the city and these incredible women. I eagerly anticipate our fans giving them a warm Boston welcome and witnessing the passionate support we are known for providing.”
Knight, 34, was recently honored with the first-ever IIHF’s women’s player of the year award. Knight helped lead USA to a gold medal at the 2023 World Championship with eight goals and 12 points, including a hat-trick in the championship game against Canada. She is the only women’s player to have over 100 points at the World Championship, with her 12 points in April helping to give her 101. Knight has nine gold medals at the tournament, tying Danielle Goyette for the most in a career. Knight also won Olympic Gold in 2018.
Knight previously played for Boston’s PWHL team from 2012-17 before joining the Montreal Canadiennes for two seasons. She most recently played with Team Sonnet in the PWHPA.
Keller, 27, has represented USA’s World national team ever since the 2013-14 season. A stalwart with the World Championship squad, Keller has five tournament championships and also won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Keller spent four years at Boston College and was drafted third overall by the Buffalo Beauts, but elected to join the PWHPA circuit instead.
Frankel, 24, is also returning to familiar territory after spending five years at Northeastern University. Frankel won the Patty Kazmaier Award as the top women’s hockey player in the NCAA in 2021 and finished as a finalist in 2020 and 2022. Frankel took over the starting role with USA at the 2023 World Championship, recording a 5-1-0 record with a .932 save percentage.
The PWHL opened its player signing process on Sept. 1, allowing clubs to sign their first three players. The draft will take place on Sept. 18, 2023, with Boston holding the third pick.