It was another beautiful morning to sign another player. Boston signed another draft pick Tuesday morning, the fourth overall pick forward from Ohio State, Hannah Bilka. She is familiar on the international level and will be a big piece on Boston’s offensive side for the next three seasons.
“Hannah is a dynamic skater who will dictate the pace of play and drive her line. She has elite vision and playmaking ability, and we expect her to create a ton of offense for us,” said PWHL Boston General Manager Danielle Marmer. “She adds a dimension offensively that we didn’t previously have, and I couldn’t be more excited to have signed her to a three-year deal.”
PWHL Boston
Hannah Bilka brings the speed to Boston. She would slide in well on the first line paired with Alina Müller and Susanna Tapani. She was one of the top prospects in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Bilka spent 4 seasons with Boston College and spent her last NCAA season with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Here are some stats from her past 4 seasons between Boston College and Ohio State:
2019-20 (Boston College): Recorded 37 points (14-23) in 34 games. Led all rookies in the country in total points per game (1.13), assists per game (0.71), and shots on goal per game (4.06) during the regular season.
2020-21: Recorded 16 points (7-9) in 19 games (0.84 PPG). Bilka held a seven-game point streak (Jan. 15-Feb. 20), recording eight points on four goals and four assists. The team went 7-0-0 when she scored a goal and 10-4-0 when she had at least one point
2021-22: Recorded 25 points (4-21) in 25 games. Bilka was second on the team in points (33), goals (16), and assists (17) while also registering four game-winning goals. In addition to her four game-winning goals, she recorded five game-winning assists.
2023-24 (Ohio State): Recorded 26 points (16-10) in 21 games during her graduate year. Led the power play unit with nine points (4G, 5A)
- Boston had the worst power play percentage in their first season (7.5%). They converted four times on 53 opportunities.
Bilka put up 294 shots with Boston College during her three seasons and 65 shots during her only season with Ohio State. This is a total of 359 shots during her four seasons. She played 99 games between both schools, which gave her a 3.63 shots per game average, and with 41 goals, she maintained an 11.4 shooting percentage. Boston’s leader in shots in their first season was captain Hilary Knight, with 115 shots and 6 goals, giving her a 5.2 shooting percentage in her first season with Boston. Lexie Adzija, Abby Cook, and Nicole Kosta were tied with the highest shooting percentage of 20%.
Here is what the first-round draft pick has to say about her contract:
“Being able to return to Boston and signing with PWHL Boston is a dream come true,” says Bilka. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play here for the next three years and to make Boston my home again. I’m looking forward to contributing to this organization and community on and off the ice.”
PWHL Boston
Bilka will be a key piece to Boston’s success next season. Her speed and playmaking abilities will help push Boston to another playoff run. Locking her in for three seasons has been Boston’s best move this offseason.
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