Boston Fleet Lose Key Pieces in PWHL Expansion Draft

The Boston Fleet said goodbye to three key players Monday night during the PWHL Expansion Draft.
PWHL Seattle selected forward Hannah Bilka and defenseman Emily Brown, both significant contributors to Boston. The selections were made by Seattle General Manager Meghan Turner, who previously served as the Fleet’s Assistant General Manager before the expansion announcement. Meanwhile, defenseman Sydney Bard was selected by Vancouver, rounding out a night of notable departures for Boston as the league welcomes its two new franchises.

Hannah Bilka (F)
One of the most dynamic young forwards in the league, Hannah Bilka brought speed, creativity, and an offensive edge to Boston’s forward group. She quickly became a fan favorite for her high-energy play and on-ice performance. She spent most of her rookie season on injured reserve, but she was still one of the Fleet’s best players during the 2024-25 season. Bilka was a top performer at the collegiate level and transitioned smoothly into the professional level. Her selection by Seattle reunites her with former Fleet captain Hilary Knight.

Sydney Bard (D)
Sydney Bard emerged as a reliable depth defender for Boston, showing strong skating ability and smart puck movement. She found herself sharing the line with veteran Megan Keller. Bard made the most of her minutes and proved herself as a capable and composed player at the professional level. A former key player at Colgate University. Her game continues to grow, and she could move into a larger role with Vancouver under the right leadership and development.

Emily Brown (D)
Emily Brown brought leadership and experience to the Boston Fleet’s defense. Known for her strong positional play, Brown logged significant minutes during Boston’s inaugural PWHL season. Before joining the Fleet, she was a key player at the University of Minnesota and played in the PWHPA.

Our thoughts on the PWHL's first ever expansion! – The Wicked Alert Podcast

In this episode of the Wicked Alert Podcast, Kelsea Durham and Elisha Côté discuss the emotional aftermath of the PWHL's first expansion draft. They delve into the player protection choices made by various teams, the impact of player departures on fans and staff, and the strategic decisions behind protecting certain players. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by GMs and the emotional toll on players and fans alike as they navigate the changes in team rosters. 

1. Our thoughts on the PWHL's first ever expansion! 39:17
2. The Wicked Alert Podcast is Back! Season Recap and More 43:08
3. Interview with a Fan and PWHL Updates 55:35
4. Predictions, Three Stars, and More! 48:51
5. West Coast Takeover: PWHL in Vancouver and Seattle 01:01:15