Dempsey Starts New Era with History of her Own
November 13, 2021 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) News Release
As a new page in Premier Hockey Federation history began on opening weekend, it was only fitting that one of the league's pioneers make history of her own.
And Jillian Dempsey delivered. 50 career goals on Saturday, 50 career games on Sunday.
"It's really exciting to be back and to be part of the team again and contributing," Dempsey said. "We've been scrimmaging for most of October so it was great to finally be back at Warrior with fans for a real league game. There's nothing better than playing for a crowd and there was a lot of build-up for that game given our rivalry."
The Boston Pride captain took a cross-crease pass from Sammy Davis late in the first period of the rematch of the Isobel Cup final against the Minnesota Whitecaps and would not be denied.
Her milestone marker scored with some extra motivation and personal meaning.
"It was pretty special," an emotional Dempsey said. "That one was for my Nonny. This was my first game without her. She was one of my biggest fans. I tried to score a goal for her knowing that she's watching down."
The 2021 Isobel Cup Playoff MVP got a chance to celebrate her championship with her beloved 92-year-old Nonny before she passed in April.
"She made it to some home games over the years but was always watching. Family is so important."
Dempsey has been part of the Pride family since the very beginning and is one of five current PHF players who have competed in every season since the inaugural 2015-16 campaign.
"Every new season I'm eager to play," the Winthrop, MA native said. "You only get so many opportunities and have to make the most of them. It's weird how time passes. You go from being fresh out of college to being a veteran. It's hard to believe it's 100 games later. I'm grateful to be part of the game and moving the game forward."
It's no surprise that a Harvard University graduate and school teacher remembers the details when asked to recall memorable goals and moments along her professional hockey journey.
"I remember times like in Season 4, playing with McKenna Brand and Denisa Krizova for the first time in Minnesota," Dempsey recalls. "We were in the huddle just laughing and enjoying ourselves. It was one of those games when things kept going our way. It's exhilarating to be part of those huddles.
"It's also the close competitive games you enjoy, the thrilling comebacks, those are the ones you love to be part of. All of the passes and feeds I've gotten from linemates over the years. An excellent pass makes it all happen."
A shoulder injury limited Dempsey's contributions last year in Lake Placid, but her streak of competing in every single Pride regular-season game remains intact. Her work ethic and precision during practice are undoubtedly part of what's made her so effective over the course of her illustrious career.
"Whenever you're practicing or working on something and it pays off in the game it's so rewarding," she says. "The goal I scored in the championship, we practiced shooting from that same spot countless times."
That snipe from inside the circle against Minnesota in March is one of the many moments that have helped solidify Dempsey's PHF legacy that includes being a two-time Isobel Cup champion among her achievements.
She's one of 14 returning members of the Pride who are back and hungry for more.
"We'd like to pick up where we left off," she said. "We know we have a target on our backs and we're always getting our opponents' best game. We like that pressure in those situations. That hunger is very much still present. We want to defend that title and keep it in Boston."
The Pride are off to a perfect start in their seventh season having swept their opening weekend series against the Whitecaps. Next up is a founding four battle on the road against the Connecticut Whale.
"We just need to do little things right," Dempsey says. "That puts us in a great place. Staying hungry and determined. With everybody buying into that mentality we're going to do great things."
The 2020 Co-MVP and scoring champion enters week two action tied for first in team scoring with three points that extends her personal point-streak to six straight games and brings her career total to 107.
With every goal, point, and game re-writing the records, what comes next for the heart and soul of the Pride?
"I never envisioned myself at 30 to still be playing, being out there battling in the PHF and contributing for the Boston Pride. Hopefully many more games and many more opportunities."
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from November 13, 2021
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
