Fratkin Adds to Distinguished Career on Defense
Published on November 29, 2021 under Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) News Release
When Kaleigh Fratkin was awarded a second consecutive Defender of the Year honor in April it bolstered her legacy as one of the Premier Hockey Federation's all-time greats at the position.
That distinction became even more defined last Sunday in Minnesota when the Boston Pride blue liner reached the monumental milestone of 100 career PHF games.
"It's pretty special," Fratkin said. "When I started out in my professional career I didn't think I'd be playing this long. It's an honor being part of the league and something I hold close to my heart."
The 29-year-old from Burnaby, British Columbia is just the second player in PHF history to play 100 games following teammate Jillian Dempsey who achieved the feat in the second game of the 2021-22 season.
"I didn't even realize I was close to 100 games until Demps hit her milestone," Fratkin laughed. "It's pretty surreal. Coming out of college there were limited options but I always just wanted to play. To think I've been able to play at a high level and work on my game, I feel this league has allowed me to do that."
The Boston University graduate began her PHF journey during the inaugural 2015-16 season as a member of the Connecticut Whale. She accumulated 18 games that first year, then moved on to play another 18 with the Metropolitan Riveters in 2016-17, and has been with Boston ever since the 2017-18 campaign amassing 64 games played with the organization to date.
Fratkin is one of only five PHF players currently in their seventh season and embraces the original tag.
"I'm still very young in the grand scheme of things but seeing rookies come in and knowing I've got six years on them now is different.
"I feel very fortunate to be part of that group, helping grow the league and the sport. We all have the same mission. What stands out the most when I reflect on my career is the traction and recognition for women's hockey and the league itself. Growing up, NCAA was the goal and only one or two girls would make it. When I come back home now people recognize the PHF and know who the Boston Pride are. There are young girls in youth hockey that are looking up to PHF players and have direction. I've met girls and talked to them about their paths in hockey and it's special to be a role model for them."
Over the course of 100 games there is no shortage of memories but the one that stands out the most for Fratkin happened in the very beginning.
"The coolest moment was playing in the very first game," she recalls. "It was standing room only at Chelsea Piers. I remember standing out on the ice for the national anthem, there were people with signs in the crowd, and I just thought wow this is really cool. Still to this day that's not something I'll ever forget."
Last season Fratkin got to experience her first Isobel Cup title, and while the Pride secured it on home ice, it just wasn't the same without the fans.
"Winning a championship was awesome and you'll always remember those types of games and absolutely never forget all that we went through. But I think about the sellout crowds we've had in Boston, in Minnesota, really cool memories of fans going crazy. The semifinal game in Season 5 in front of our crowd, the place erupted. It was insane."
As for the individual awards throughout her career, Fratkin is quick to credit her teammates.
"You can't get individual recognition without a strong defense corps. I've got a great partner in Mallory Souliotis, with players like Jenna Rheault and Lauren Kelly pushing us, plus the opportunities that Paul Mara has given me. The awards are a testament to the group you have beside you. There's so many good defenders so to be considered in that all-time group is something really special because I played against all of the past winners. The individual accolades are nice but you play to win championships."
Through 100 career games Fratkin has a PHF record 60 assists and her 71 points are the most all-time by a defender. Despite her offensive numbers, she's most proud of her defensive development.
"I try to improve each year, especially as the position evolves. I take pride in being a good defensive player. I don't like being scored against. I try and make good passes and rush when I need to, but have to take care of the defensive zone first. That side of my game has definitely developed."
Fratkin also plays with an edge and her 164 career penalty minutes are the highest in league history.
"The physical side of my game, that's always been there. That won't change. But it's a side of my game I've tried to reel in."
In the first three weeks of the 2021-22 PHF season the Pride took eight of a possible 12 points against the Whitecaps, and two out of six against the Whale. First place in the overall standings will be on the line next weekend when the Toronto Six come to town.
Fratkin believes the challenge and early adversity will pay off for her squad.
"It's a good test facing good opponents. It exposes areas we want to work on. With newcomers and veterans, different line pairings, the kind of hockey we're capable of we are nowhere near. There's a lot of skill on our team. Once we get the x's and o's sorted out we'll be dangerous."
The alternate captain is one of 14 Pride who were part of last season's championship and knows that winning goes far beyond simply skill.
"We hold ourselves to a high standard in Boston," Fratkin says. "Our character and our culture is that of a championship team and will take us where we need to go. From a leadership perspective, this is a special group."
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from November 29, 2021
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