Brianna Laing (NHL.com)

The Boston Pride of the National Women’s Hockey League signed a familiar name to their fanbase on Monday. They inked former Harvard University netminder Brianna Laing to a rookie contract for the 2017-2018 season.

The 22-year-old goalie put up a 22-9-1 record, with a 1.66 goals against average and .935 save percentage in 35 games over four seasons with the Crimson. Brianna received her degree in Integrative Biology last month. A Team USA member, she helped the team win the silver at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championships. Brianna was also a participant of four USA Hockey Camps and three Warren Strelow Goaltending Camps.

Prior to her collegiate career, Brianna helped lead Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts to four New England high school championships. She developed her goaltending skills at the age of 10 with the Assabet Valley Girls Hockey program in Concord, Massachusetts. Laing was able to help Assabet Valley capture five gold medals at the USA Hockey National World Championships. 

Laing is the younger sister of former Princeton University and Pride forward Denna Laing. Denna has been honored by the four teams in the NWHL. She suffered a severe spinal cord injury on December 31st, 2015 during the Women’s Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium. All teams have a helmet patch bearing her number 24. The league will continue to wear the patch during the 2017-2018 season. 

In regards to the newest chapter in her life, Brianna stated:

“Hockey has been a big part of my life and my family’s life, so I am proud to continue our legacy. Being able to play pro for the Pride, the team I had always hoped to play for, is an amazing opportunity. It is extra special because it is also a way to honor Denna, whom I think about every day and is such an inspiration to me and so many other people. The first time I wear that Boston Pride jersey with `LAING’ on the back will be incredible.”

While playing for the Pride, she will earn her Masters in Conservation Medicine at Tuft’s University. Her ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. 

The new season is slated to begin in October. The New York Riveters, Connecticut Whale, Buffalo Beauts and the Pride all play a full slate of home matchups. Some will be a few neutral site games. The Pride, Riveters and Whale will also have two exhibition games, each against Team Russia in the NWHL/Russia Summit Series.