Former Fleet Players Finding Success With the Walter Cup

By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham

While the Walter Cup did not come home to Boston, it was bittersweet for Fleet fans to watch two former Fleet players lift the Cup: Shiann Darkangelo and Jessica DiGirolamo. Both players took different paths through the league after their time in Boston, but each ultimately played a role in helping Montreal capture the Walter Cup championship.

Shiann Darkangelo has played professional hockey since 2011, representing Team USA and spending time in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) with the Connecticut Whale, Buffalo Beauts, and Toronto Six. She signed with (at the time) PWHL Boston ahead of the league’s inaugural season in 2024. However, in March, she was traded to PWHL Ottawa (now the Ottawa Charge) in exchange for Lexie Adzija and Caitrin Lonergan. In June 2024, she signed a one-year extension with Ottawa before later signing a two-year contract with the Montreal Victoire.

During her time with the Fleet, Darkangelo recorded one assist in 17 games. While her offensive numbers in Boston were limited, her experience still provided value to the lineup. Known for her physical style of play and leadership qualities, Darkangelo brought veteran stability to every roster she joined throughout her professional career.

This season with the Victoire, Darkangelo recorded four goals and four assists in 30 games and added another playoff goal in Game 1 against the Minnesota Frost on May 2. Her journey through the league ultimately led her to becoming a Walter Cup champion, adding another milestone to an already decorated career.

On the other end of the ice was Jessica DiGirolamo. DiGirolamo was drafted in the sixth round by Boston in the 2023 PWHL Draft and signed a two-year contract with the team. During her first season, she recorded three assists in 24 regular-season games. Her first professional goal came in Boston’s final regular-season game against the Minnesota Frost, accounting for the Fleet’s lone goal in an 8-1 loss.

In her final season with Boston, DiGirolamo recorded a career-high five points in 30 games, tallying one goal and four assists before signing a two-year contract with the Montreal Victoire. As a steady defensive presence, DiGirolamo developed her game in Boston and carried that momentum into her first championship-winning season with Montreal. During her first season, she recorded one goal and two assists in 29 regular-season games and added an assist during the championship-clinching Game 4 victory over the Ottawa Charge on May 20.

One game that might stand out for Boston fans is the matchup between Montreal and Ottawa on January 13. In this game, Montreal ended Ottawa’s six-game winning streak. Shiann Darkangelo had two points in this one, while Jessica DiGirolamo scored her first goal of the season. It was a victory that was fueled by Boston pride.

Although neither player finished their championship season in Boston colors, both Darkangelo and DiGirolamo remain connected to the Fleet’s early history. Watching former players reach the top of the league serves as a reminder of how quickly the PWHL continues to grow. For Fleet fans, it may not have been the ending they hoped for, but seeing two familiar faces skate away with the Walter Cup still offered a memorable full-circle moment. Their victories also highlight the level of talent that once passed through Boston’s locker room during the league’s first two seasons.