Boston Fleet's Olympians get hero's welcome from fans

Four Boston-based Olympians received a hero's welcome Monday, as hundreds of fans crowded the top floor of the Prudential Center to see the ice hockey medalists.

Boston Fleet Captain Megan Keller, goaltender Aerin Frankel and defender Haley Winn helped lead the U.S. Women's team to gold in Milan, with Keller netting an overtime goal to seal the victory. And Fleet forward Alina Müller scored a game-winning goal for Team Switzerland, earning the country a bronze medal.

Fans lined the top floor of the Prudential Center, with some waiting for three hours to meet the Olympians at the Fleet-hosted event.

Shea Kulpa of Dighton was “yelling at my TV” during the thrilling gold medal match between the U.S. and Canada.

“It was crazy going into overtime and I was just really excited for them,” said Kulpa, who became a Fleet fan during the team’s inaugural season in 2024.

Speaking to the crowd, Gov. Maura Healey declared March 2 U.S. Women’s Hockey Day in Massachusetts.

“To the little girls out there. And the little boys, but especially you little girls. You can be anything you want to be,” she said. “You can do anything you want to do. Don't let anybody ever tell you otherwise.”

Similarly, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced March 2 as Boston Fleet Day for the city, and Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan announced March 17 the day of the Fleet’s first home game after the Olympics, as Boston Fleet Olympic Medalist Day.

During a Q&A Panel, 2018 gold medalist and Fleet player development consultant Kacey Bellamy said visibility for women’s sports has come a long way since she began her Boston professional career.

“I would never see these types of fans come in a line like this in an autograph session,” she said. It’s just absolutely incredible.”

Natalie Noury, a PWHL rinkside reporter, said Fleet home ticket sales have surged following Team USA’s Olympic win. While the club usually plays its home games at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Noury said an upcoming match at TD Garden will likely break the team’s attendance record.

Urszula Caney, of Westford, said she grew up playing hockey, and is now a Fleet season ticket holder.

“I couldn't be more excited when women's hockey became professional because it was time, you know?” Caney said. “It's so much fun to go to the games.”

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Urszula Caney and Sharon Durkan's name. We regret the error.