Fleet’s Aerin Frankel Makes PWHL History In Stellar Second Season
LOWELL, Mass. — Boston Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel solidified her spot in PWHL history by becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career saves Friday night.
Before Frankel denied the Sirens on four straight shootout shots to earn Boston a 3-2 win, she stopped three New York shots in overtime to catapult her total to 1,001 saves across 36 games in two seasons, including the playoffs, for the Fleet.
The Northeastern alum noted how important the mental component has been to her game between the pipes.
“Last year, I learned really what it takes to be a professional player,” Frankel said. “You have to take such good care of your body, and mentally you have to take care of yourself. I think that’s something I’m continuing to work on.”
The 5-foot-5, small but mighty Boston netminder has been a workhorse for Boston, starting 10 of the Fleet’s 12 games this season, posting a .925 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average.
Fleet coach Courtney Kessel recognizes what Frankel means to Boston’s success in the league.
“The way she shows up day in and day out. She’s pretty steady at ease,” Kessel said. “She’s never too high, never too low and I think it’s huge for whatever kind of moment you’re going to face in these games because there seems to be crazy every single night. The parity across this league is incredible.
“She spoke about taking care of her body, and I think that’s a huge part of learning what it’s like to be a professional athlete and be ready to go whenever you get the nod to go in. We’ve seen night in and night out her show up. I don’t know if 1,000 shots against is good for our defense, but we know that Franks is going to show up for us every night.”
Frankel and dynamic Fleet forward Alina Müller have a relationship that dates back to 2018 when the two former Huskies won four consecutive Hockey East titles together at Northeastern. Their collegiate success proved to be only the beginning as they work toward making Boston sports history.
“It’s so much fun seeing her on the ice,” Müller said of the 25-year-old. “But, also the way she carries herself off the ice. We’ve been really good friends now for about six, or seven years, and we’re roommates now. She’s a great human and very grounded. …. I learn from her every day, and I have fun with her every day.”
Boston has a congested schedule ahead when they return from the International break on Feb. 12 to face the Sirens at the Prudential Center. The two clubs will meet four times in the Fleet’s next seven games. Boston has defeated New York both times the franchises have met this season. The Fleet will look to capitalize on the momentum from their shootout win on Friday night.
Continued strong performances from key players like Frankel and Müller will be crucial as the Fleet battle for a playoff spot with 17 games remaining in the regular season.
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