Rylind MacKinnon is on the move.
The Cranbrook product has signed on with the PWHL's Boston Fleet for a one-year contract, moving on from the Toronto Sceptres where she spent the last season patrolling the blue line.
“I'm very excited to join the Boston Fleet and collaborate with the amazing staff and talented players within the organization,” said MacKinnon, in a press release. “Boston's rich sports culture and passionate fan base make it an incredible place to play, and I can't wait to experience the energy of our supporters firsthand.”
MacKinnon broke into professional hockey last year, signing a one-year contract with the Sceptres, putting up two assists in 22 games.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add Rylind to our defensive core,” said Boston Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer. “She’s a big, physical defender who brings a strong presence on the ice and plays a tough, hard-nosed game. Rylind’s size and strength makes her difficult to get around and punishing when defending the net front. With so much raw potential, we’re eager to see her continue to sharpen her skills and impact here in Boston.”
MacKinnon spent five years with the UBC Thunderbirds program, serving as captain for her final three seasons. She set a program record with 81 points in over 126 USPORTS games played.
In her final season, the Thunderbirds were Canada West Champions for the third year in a row and ended fifth in the country. MacKinnon was an All-Canadian for the second time and received her third nod on the Canada West All-Star list.
It's exciting times for the PWHL, which just finished an expansion draft, with the addition of new franchises in Vancouver and Seattle. That brings the league up to eight teams.
The PWHL also just wrapped up the draft, as 48 players across the world were selected, featuring 30 forwards, 13 defenders, 5 goaltenders.
Out of that total, 43 players were selected from NCAA, four from professional teams, and one from U SPORTS.
