Even with sports on pause, the NWHL continues to push forward towards next season. McKenna Brand is the latest player to sign a contract. The breakout star from the past two seasons is coming back for another season with the Boston Pride in 2020-21.
Brand finished with 36 points (19 goals and 17 assists) in 24 games last season as she finished third in balloting for NWHL MVP last season. She was also second in the league in goals, tied for second in points, and lead the entire league in game-winning goals with six. During her rookie season in 2018-19, Brand was fifth in scoring. During her first two seasons in the league, Brand averaged over a point-per-game at 1.33 PPG.
“I am so grateful to be signing with the Pride for my third season in the NWHL,” said Brand in a media release. “Last year was truly one of my favorite years of hockey, playing with some amazing people. The culture that the Pride organization created last season was a major part of our success and I cannot wait to be a part of that again. I am looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in the league and continue to grow the game in the Boston area.”
Brand was originally selected 11th overall by the Pride in the 2017 NWHL Draft. During her senior season at Northeastern, Brand led the team in scoring with 34 points (15 goals and 19 assists). In her junior season with the Huskies, Brand had 23 goals, which included five game-winning goals in 37 games. Also, she received First Team Hockey East All-Star honors. After departing the program, Brand finished as the all-time leader in games played at 150.
“From the moment McKenna started her pro career in Boston until now, she just keeps getting better,” said Pride President Hayley Moore. “Her pure skating ability, scoring prowess, and hockey IQ, coupled by her selfless attitude and work in the community, make her an ideal member of the Pack. We are lucky to have McKenna back for a third season with the Pride and can’t wait to see where she brings her game next.”
No contract details were announced.
