Boston Pride announce 2021 roster

The Pride are rearming in attempt to defend their title and look to become the first team to repeat as champions.

The Pride have now released both their Opening Weekend matchup and roster.

The Opening Weekend on November 6th and 7th is a rematch of last year’s title game as they take on the Minnesota Whitecaps.

As for their roster they will be returning most of the team from their second championship run. Of the 18 signings announced today 14 are returners. The top line of Dempsey, Brand and Putigna, the top D pair of Fratkin and Souliotis, plus both goalies, Selander and Hanson all return.

The additions include a pair of Connecticuts top forwards Kayla Friesen and Katelynn Russ, a new defender out of Boston University Abby Cook. Also joining the Pride is an familiar face in Katie Burt.

Burt has been playing in the PWHL for the past few seasons but since her latest snub by Team USA seems to have decided to return to the NWHL with national team hopes seemingly vanished.

Cook Joins the Pride after playing a season over in Sweden. While Friesen and Russ were two of the Whale’s top players in Lake Placid last season.

This leaves five departures from last years Isobel Cup Championship team. Over the offseason various social media posts led us to know that Lexie Laing, Carlee Turner and Mary Parker would not be returning to the team for this season. While Briana Mastel was more of a depth player for Boston the loss of Taylor Turnquist might be felt a little deeper, though the Pride still seem to have managed to improve.

While the Pride now have 3 forward lines, 3 defensive pairs and 3 goalies there are likely to be a few depth signings for practice and in case of injuries.