The Boston Pride captured the first championship in NWHL history Saturday, by beating the Buffalo Beauts 3-1 to finish a two-game sweep, to win the Isobel Cup.
The win was dedicated to injured forward Denna Laing, who suffered a spinal injury during the Outdoor Women's Classic in January. Her No. 24 was prominent in the team's championship photo:
History has been made #ThePack #14Strong #FirstChampions pic.twitter.com/gJ6JHBnxUi
— NWHL (@NWHL) March 13, 2016
"She meant everything to us," Pride defenseman Kacey Bellamy said of Laing, per an NWHL release. "She's been with us every step of the way and we know she's with us right now."
Laing, who was able to FaceTime teammates after the victory, also took to Twitter to send congratulations.
Wishing I could be in NJ tonight. Couldn't be more proud of #ThePack. Congrats on the #IsobelCup! Love you guys #TitleTown
— Denna Laing (@dlaing14) March 13, 2016
The NWHL's inaugural season featured four teams in the Northeastern United States - the Pride, Beauts, Connecticut Whale, and New York Riveters - but it appears the league may be expanding to Canada after a photo was teased near the end of Saturday's broadcast.
!!!HUGE NEWS teased on the @NWHL broadcast: Looks like the league has plans for expansion. 2 Canadian teams. #NWHL pic.twitter.com/yUkCO1YJat
— Mike Murphy (@DigDeepBSB) March 13, 2016
Canada already has its own women's hockey league, the five-team CWHL, but unlike the NWHL, its players are not paid.
