MacKinnon Returns to Lead the Boston Fleet
At 26, MacKinnon is set to don the Fleet’s colors once more after a season that yielded an assist in 28 regular‑game appearances and contributed to three playoff runs. Her arrival marks a continuation of a journey that began after a standout collegiate career in Canada.
MacKinnon’s roots trace back to Cranbrook, British Columbia, where she first sharpened her game before heading east to the University of British Columbia. There she captained the Thunderbirds for three seasons, guiding the squad to three consecutive Canada West titles and etching her name into the program’s record books with 81 points, the most ever by a defender.
Her professional path includes a stint with the Toronto Sceptres in 2024‑25, where she added two assists across 22 games, and five years in the university ranks that culminated in a record‑setting performance. The Fleet’s management praised her blend of defensive reliability and offensive poise, noting that her experience will be pivotal as the club aims to contend.
A Roster Reinforced for 2026‑27
The franchise has also secured 13 additional contracts, weaving together a mix of award‑winning talent and fresh faces. Forwards Loren Gabel, Ella Huber, Laura Kluge, Shay Maloney, Olivia Mobley, Jill Saulnier, Liz Schepers, Sophie Shirley and Susanna Tapani join the attack, while goaltender Amanda Thiele, PWHL Defender of the Year Megan Keller, Rookie of the Year Haley Winn and MVP Aerin Frankel anchor the net.
These moves reflect a strategic push to deepen the roster ahead of the next chapter in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a league that continues to expand its footprint across North America. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the Fleet looks poised to translate its off‑season investments into on‑ice success.