Boston Fleet Charging Toward Walter Cup With Depth, Defense, and Power
Alina Müller of the Boston Fleet skates with the puck during a game against the Seattle Torrent on March 11, 2026. Photo credit: Jenn G.
Written By Gina Anton
The Boston Fleet are no longer just a strong team; they are rapidly becoming the standard in the Professional Women's Hockey League. With a balanced attack, elite blue-line production, and one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders, Boston is positioning itself as the clear favorite to capture the Walter Cup.
Following the Winter Olympics, seven team members have returned to the roster, bringing a renewed surge of energy that will drive them toward their next big victory.
“From a coaching standpoint, it’s a dream come true when you see the amount of energy that’s going to be inserted into your lineup,” coach Kris Sparre said to The Boston Globe. “Our players are excited to be back — back with our team and everything that we hope to accomplish this year.
At the heart of Boston’s surge is captain Megan Keller, whose impact goes far beyond traditional defensive play. Keller sits as the league’s top defensive scorer with 15 points, including 6 goals and 9 assists, an exceptional mark for a defender. Her ability to control possession, activate offensively, and anchor the defensive zone makes her one of the most valuable players in the league.
Boston’s offensive engine doesn’t stop there. Alina Müller has emerged as one of the PWHL’s premier playmakers, also recording 15 points, driven largely by her 12 assists. Müller’s vision and puck distribution have helped transform Boston into one of the league’s most fluid and unpredictable offenses.
Supporting them is Susanna Tapani, whose 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) provide critical secondary scoring. Night after night, Boston rolls out multiple lines capable of generating offense, forcing opponents into difficult defensive matchups.
That depth extends throughout the lineup. Contributions from players like Haley Winn, Jamie Lee Rattray, and Abby Newhook ensure that Boston is never reliant on a single unit. Instead, they attack in waves.
Defensively, the Fleet has been just as impressive. The team ranks among the league leaders in goals allowed, a testament to both their structured system and the standout performance of goaltender Aerin Frankel. Frankel has posted a 1.36 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage, consistently delivering in high-pressure moments and giving Boston a decisive edge in tight games.
What separates Boston from the rest of the league is not just talent, but cohesion. Their defensive corps contributes offensively, their forwards commit to two-way play, and their goaltending provides a steady foundation. It’s a complete team identity that travels well and holds up against any opponent.
As the season progresses, the path to the Walter Cup increasingly runs through Boston. While challenges remain, few teams can match the Fleet’s combination of scoring depth, defensive reliability, and high-caliber goaltending.
