Brooms Out: Pride Open Season With Series Sweep over Whitecaps

Photo courtesy of Michelle Jay

Boston. Looks. Deadly. Real deadly. 

2021-2022’s campaign is off to a roaring start as the Pride notched 6 points this weekend with wins over the Minnesota Whitecaps. Yet, game 2 was not sunshine and rainbows for the defending Cup Champions. Let’s break it down. 

Katie Burt made her first PHF start since 2019’s Isobel Cup Semi Final in Buffalo. Of course, she proved her elite level of play that earned her a goaltender of the year nomination and a trip to the All Star game. 

Burt looked dominant and in control. Notably different between her and Lovisa Selander is how far she goes out of the net on breakaway opportunities. Burt keeps close to the crease and makes players beat her. This was on display tonight as she stopped shot after shot on several opportunities. 

Minnesota did what they could to score on her, but Burt was one step ahead every step of the way. Amanda Levielle put on a clinic as well, earning her Third Star of the Game. Boston found themselves “Levielled” on tons of great chances. 

Sammy Davis, Meghara McManus, Jillain Dempsey, and a plethora of other Pride members had opportunities squandered by Lev’s elite goaltending. McKenna Brand’s second period goal, assisted by Jillian Dempsey, was the only one to find its way past the Minnesota superstar.

Brand earned Second Star of the Game for her goal, while Katie Burt’s shutout performance garnered her First Star of the Game. 

Burt’s return game to the PHF officially placed Boston's goalie Trio among the best in the league. Questions on her return to Boston, while few, were all silenced as she put one of the best teams in professional hockey on ice with her performance. Selander, Burt, and Hanson may be the deadliest set of goalies the  PHF has ever seen; and if the offense looks like it did last night, Boston looks poised for another great season. 

The Pride continue their title defense on Saturday November 13, 2021 at 2:00 and Sunday November 14, 2021 at 3:00 against Connecticut on ESPN+.