By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham
The Boston Fleet announced Monday morning that they have signed defender Leah Stecker, their third-round pick of the 2026 draft to a three-year deal through the 2028-29 season. She was one of three defenders drafted by Boston and is the first from the 2026 draft class to sign.
Stecker was selected 27th overall and became the second New Jersey-born player drafted in the PWHL. She now begins the next chapter of her hockey career after an impressive four-year collegiate career at Penn State University.
During her time with the Nittany Lions, Stecker established herself as a reliable two-way defender, appearing in 152 career games while recording 12 goals and 45 assists for 57 total points. She also demonstrated consistency throughout her collegiate career, providing steady production from the blue line while logging significant minutes in all situations. Her senior season was her most productive offensively, setting a career-high with three goals and 17 assists for 20 points across 39 games.
Stecker joins a talented and experienced Boston defensive squad led by captain Megan Keller, 2026 PWHL Rookie of the Year Haley Winn, and Rylind MacKinnon. The addition of Stecker gives the Fleet another young defender with collegiate experience and offensive upside as the organization continues building its roster for the upcoming season.
With her first professional contract now signed, Stecker will have the opportunity to compete alongside one of the league’s strongest defensive groups while beginning her transition to the professional game. Her signing marks the first step in integrating Boston’s 2026 draft class into the lineup as preparations continue for the 2026-27 PWHL season.
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