By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham
Jessie Eldridge joined the Boston Fleet midway through the 2025-26 season through a trade with the Seattle Torrent. While the Fleet lost Theresa Schafzahl, a fan-favorite who had been with the Fleet since the inaugural year and scored the first-ever goal in franchise history, they gained a player who would quickly become an important part of Fleet culture.
Eldridge joined the Torrent after being selected from the New York Sirens in the expansion draft. During her time in Seattle, she made an immediate impact, recording 13 points (7G, 6A) in 19 games. During her first two seasons with New York, Eldridge recorded 16 goals and 22 assists in 54 games, showing her ability to consistently contribute offensively.
After arriving in Boston, Eldridge continued to make her mark. In just 11 regular-season games with the Fleet, she scored seven goals and recorded three assists. Her strong performance helped lead the Fleet into the postseason, where she earned her first playoff appearance. She finished the regular season with nine points in six games and added three assists across four playoff games.
Since joining the Fleet, Eldridge has quickly become more than just a player on the ice; she has become a fan favorite and a recognizable part of the team’s identity. Many fans immediately think of her signature pink scrunchie, a feature that makes her easy to spot from anywhere in the venue.
The pink scrunchie is more than just a game-day tradition. Eldridge has shared that it has been part of her game for years and is a tribute to her mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. During her treatment, Eldridge’s mom would make scrunchies, and the pink scrunchie became a symbol of their bond while Eldridge was away traveling for games.
Over time, the scrunchie became a staple of Eldridge’s game and a way for fans to connect with her story. Fleet fans have embraced the tradition, with many wearing pink scrunchies to show their support. Some fans have even dedicated their time at games to handing them out around the venue, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the ice.
Eldridge’s arrival in Boston brought more than offensive production. While she became a reliable player on the ice for Boston, she also brought a story, a personality, and a connection with fans that helped strengthen the culture surrounding the Fleet that became important for their success this season. In a league where fan-player relationships continue to shape the growth of women’s hockey, moments like the pink scrunchie tradition show how athletes can create lasting connections with the communities that support them.
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