Determined, Not Deterred, Pride Look to Hoist Lady Isobel

McKenna Brand, Christina Putigna, and rookie Taylor Turnquist celebrate a Brand goal in Lake Placid. Photo Credit: Michelle Jay

The Boston Pride have updated their status from hungry to determined. 

Less than two weeks sit between us and March 26 when the Pride take on the Six in the Isobel Cup semifinals at Warrior Ice Arena. Yet, this isn’t even close to last year’s semifinal match at Warrior. After getting the opportunity to sit down with General Manager Karilyn Pilch, Head Coach Paul Mara, and a few members of the Pride in to discuss their preparations before their semifinal matchup with the upstart, Toronto Six, it’s clear that they remain united in their goal to bring Lady Isobel home to Boston

Coach Mara strongly believes that the team he wants to show up will show up. This includes veteran winger Mary Parker, who departed Lake Placid early due to COVID concerns, as well as defender Jenna Rheault, who suffered a wrist fracture that dampered an outstanding start in the bubble. Both players are fully recovered and expected to contribute in the Pride’s lineup. Therefore, while Toronto may be short a few members due to COVID protocols at the Canadian border, Boston expects a full and hungry roster.

Over and over the message was clear: Boston needs to win two games. Fratkin noted that practices revolve around a lot of 3v3 to get into semifinal shape. As everyone shook off Covid and rust, Boston focused on their keys, strategies, and determination to bring Isobel home. Rookie defender Taylor Turnquist mentioned how Boston came together through a slow start, and she believes that unity aids Boston going into the semifinals. Staring at an uphill battle, Boston doesn’t get the comforts of home. Eight players have yet to play on Warrior’s ice and they all will be put up in a hotel. Yet, this has not deterred Boston. Coach’s Mara’s attitude that his team is the best among all women’s teams on earth shone forth. 

What’s the takeaway from this? Simply put, Boston’s ready. With their backs against the wall, they have the confidence of a #1 seed and look to finish unfinished business. The Pride have been grinding towards a championship for two years now. Throughout the chaos and uncertainty of a global pandemic, they haven’t wavered in their pursuit of that goal. And now, all eyes are on the city of Boston for the 2021 Isobel Cup. Now is the time for them to reach out and take it.

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