Shipping Up to the Emerald City: Meet PWHL Seattle's Former Fleet Players
By Lydia Murray
Seattle, WA - The inaugural PWHL Seattle roster is taking shape, with 15 players already rostered and the entry draft, more free agency, and training camp still to come. Four of those 15 current players are former members of the Boston Fleet, along with general manager Megan Turner. So, what should you expect from those four when they hit the ice in the Emerald City this fall? Let’s take a look.
Former Boston Fleet captain and forward Hilary Knight during the teams shootout win over the Montréal Victoire during the Seattle stop of the PWHL Takeover Tour game at Climate Pledge Arena on January 5th, 2025. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)
Expansion Draft Picks/Signings
Hilary Knight, RW (one-year contract signed during exclusive pre-draft window). There isn’t much to say about Knight that hasn’t already been said countless times. The former Fleet captain and reigning PWHL co-leading scorer has done just about everything there has been to do in women’s hockey since she made her U.S. senior national team debut as a 17-year-old in November 2006. From NCAA, CWHL, and PHF championships to 11 gold medals (and eight silver) and numerous records, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Knight is also a proven leader who cares deeply about setting the proper team culture for long-term success. At 36 years old, the end of her career is closer than the beginning, but she’s said a few times she plans to stick around professionally a few more years following her post-Olympic national team retirement. She also loves Seattle, naming it her favorite then-neutral site visited since the PWHL launched two years ago. All in all, there was no better player available to build a team around than Knight.
Former Boston Fleet forward Hannah Bilka during the teams shootout win over the Montréal Victoire during the Seattle stop of the PWHL Takeover Tour game at Climate Pledge Arena on January 5th, 2025. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)
Hannah Bilka, W (two years left on deal). Bilka was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Entry Draft, and for good reason. She’s speedy, crafty, and already a mainstay on Team USA. Her playmaking is outstanding, but she also has a scoring touch of her own. Plus, she has already built strong chemistry with Knight, her Team USA teammate and former Fleet linemate. Her 11 points last season were good for fifth on the Fleet last season despite her missing 14 games due to a knee injury sustained in the February Rivalry Series leg. At just 24 years old, Bilka brings experience and a championship pedigree that few her age possess, and she’s only getting better.
Former Boston Fleet defender Emily Brown during the teams shootout win over the Montréal Victoire during the Seattle stop of the PWHL Takeover Tour game at Climate Pledge Arena on January 5th, 2025. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)
Emily Brown, D (one year left on deal). You might recognize Brown from Sue Bird’s Instagram story (which later became a walk-in outfit). However, she also happens to arguably be one of the most underrated defenders in the PWHL because the less you notice her, the better she’s playing. She plays a physical yet quiet shutdown game that few can rival. She doesn’t wow anyone with flashy plays, but she gives staff a peace of mind every time she steps out on the ice by reliably eating big minutes in all situations. Brown has also shown a remarkable ability to stay out of the box despite her aforementioned hard-nosed, physical defensive game (although she started heading to the box a bit more in the second half of last season). She’s also by all accounts a great locker presence. Overall, Brown will be a vital part of Seattle’s defense core this season.
Former Boston Fleet forward Lexie Adzija during the teams practice session at the Kraken Community Iceplex ahead of the Seattle stop of the PWHL Takeover Tour game on January 4th, 2025. (Photos by Nate Koppelman for Circling Seattle Sports)
Free Agency Signings
Lexie Adzija, F (two-year deal). Adzija is the type of character player every team needs. She has a relentless work ethic that translates to a gritty, energetic game on the ice. It’s unlikely she’ll score a ton of goals, although she has shown flashes of offensive upside, but her style fits perfectly in any team’s bottom six. She also quickly becomes a fan favorite everywhere she goes with her infectious personality and stylish walk-in outfits. Turner spoke about wanting high-character, community-focused players on her team, so it’s no surprise to see her bring someone like Adzija with her from the Fleet.
With eight full roster and three reserve slots left to fill, this list could easily grow ahead of the inaugural puck drop. In the meantime, keep up to date on what’s happening with PWHL Seattle here at CSS with articles, podcasts, and social media updates!
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Check out our previous PWHL Seattle articles here.
Check out our previous work with Lydia Murray, a freelancer with work that can be found on “The Ice Garden,” by clicking here.
Check out our previous articles with photos by Rio Giancarlo here, and his portfolio here.
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