Hadley Hartmetz signed her first PWHL contract, but the newest member of the Boston Fleet still has work to do before she can return from an injury. She may also be re-united with a former coach turned teammate.
Although Hadley Hartmetz is now officially a member of the PWHL’s Boston Fleet after signing a one-year contract, she won’t be playing a game for the team for the time being.
Hartmetz was drafted 40th in the 2024 PWHL draft by the Boston Fleet. Prior to that she played at Ohio State, where she won two national championships.
Hartmetz came into the season with an injury, but is optimistic about her return to the ice.
“I was working with the doctors at Ohio State and now I’m working with the doctors here. I’m getting their opinions, and then continuing to work to get back to the player I was before.” Hartmetz said at the Boston Fleet’s media day on Tuesday.
The team went into training camp with 29 players. They will have to narrow the roster down to 16 forwards, nine defenders, and four goaltenders by November 27th.
The Boston Fleet came into training camp with 11 forwards signed, seven defenders signed and two goalies signed.
Hartmetz’s addition to the team leaves room for one more defender on the Fleet’s active roster.
Although it is her first season with the team, Hartmetz has already played with several players competing for a roster spot this year. She was even coached by one player, Amanda Pelkey, who could now be her teammate.
“I’ve coached Hadley with US U-18 national team before. I told her, ‘one day you’re gonna be on a team with girls you coach too,’” said Pelkey. “It adds a fun vibe to it, and it just creates different dimensions for me to be excited about.”
Not only did Pelkey coach Hartmetz, she also coached first round draft pick Hannah Bilka, who is currently signed to a three-year deal with the Fleet.
Pelkey is returning to the team this year without a contract. She played in 23 regular season games and eight playoff games with the team last season and has hopes of being re-signed this year.
Hartmetz was excited about the possibility of playing with Pelkey
“Obviously for me I always look up to my coaches, and take everything that they say to heart. I just think it’s awesome that we’re continuing to play together.” she said.
This is Harmetz’s first season in the PWHL. The transition to professional hockey will be a change, however she is already aware of what she plans to bring to the team this season.
“I’m pretty a solid defenseman that can generate offense as well,” Hartmetz said. “Just being a role player, whatever they need, I’ll do. Just continuing to build up my confidence and know that I’m here for a reason and then play solid defense, but also generate offense as much as I can”.