The best defender in the NWHL is coming back for another season with the Boston Pride. It was announced on Friday that the reigning NWHL Defender of the Year, Kaleigh Fratkin, is coming back for the 2020-21 season. Fratkin joins McKenna Brand, Lexie Laing, and Christina Putigna as returning members to a Pride team that is entering their sixth season. It’s a team that went 24-1 during the 2019-20 season.
“It’s wild to think I’m entering my sixth season in the NWHL and another year of pro hockey with the Pride,” said Kaleigh Fratkin said in a media release. “The organization is first-class at every level, with so many people working hard behind-the-scene to give us every opportunity to succeed. I can’t wait to play another season and get that Isobel Cup!”
During 24 games this past season, she led all Pride defenders in scoring with 23 points (three goals and 20 assists). Fratkin also led the Pride with a plus/minus of +33. She also was selected for the 2020 NWHL All-Star Game and was a part of Team Packer as she competed in the hardest shot competition and won it with a 76 mph slap shot. Before the season was paused, Fratkin recorded a three-point game in the Isobel Cup Semifinal against the Connecticut Whale on March 8.
Fratkin has played five seasons in the league, playing in 87 games with the Pride, Metro Riveters and Connecticut Whale. In that span, she has 60 points (11 goals and 49 assists).
Prior to coming to the NWHL, she played at Boston University and compiled 66 points in 151 games. During her senior season in 2013-14, Fratkin was a Hockey East First-Team All-Star and selected to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team. She is a proven winner, having won the Clarkson Cup with the Boston Blades of the CWHL back in 2015, a gold medal with Team Canada as part of the u-22 developmental team at the Nations Cup, and a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2009 U-18 Women’s World Championships.
