On the final day of free agency, the Boston Pride added a dynamic piece to their roster by signing American forward Zoe Hickel.
In landing with the Pride, the 23-year-old Hickel became the first US National Team player to sign in the National Women’s Hockey League. Hickel captured the gold medal for her country at the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championships and previously won silver at the U-18 World Championships back in 2010. In 12 games skating for her country, Hickel has scored three goals and picked up a pair of assists for five total points.
“Zoe is so much fun to watch- she’s as dynamic and skilled as they come, as well as a stand-up teammate,” said Pride general manager Hayley Moore on the signing.
“Zoe is a very welcome addition to the Pride. I know the city of Boston will embrace her the way they’ve embraced the sport of hockey.”
Hickel just completed a four-year stint with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, tallying 93 total points (46 goals, 47 assists) in 138 games played and improved her point-production in each successive season as a Bulldog. She capped her collegiate career with a 19-goal, 32-point campaign in 2014-15, good for 12th overall in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Hickel brings a load of talent and potential to the Pride on the wing and can blossom into a dynamic attacking option for head coach Bobby Jay to deploy.
“I’m excited to play in Boston- it’s a great city with a great atmosphere and lots of support for women’s hockey,” said Hickel. “There’s also going to be some good competition in the league this season.”
The Pride will kick off their inaugural season against the Buffalo Beauts on the road on October 11.