The Boston Fleet has made a strategic move by re-signing forward Susanna Tapani to a two-year contract, ensuring her presence on the team through the 2027-28 season. This decision comes as part of Phase 3 of the PWHL's Expansion Player Distribution Process, where existing teams can protect three players, and expansion teams can sign up to eight players with expiring contracts. Tapani, a 33-year-old Finnish athlete, has been a valuable asset to the Fleet since joining midway through the inaugural PWHL season. Her contributions include appearing in all 30 regular-season games and recording 18 points (9G, 9A) in 2025-26, as well as playing in all four playoff games. Tapani's PWHL career is impressive, with 86 regular-season games and 49 points (24G, 25A) under her belt. Internationally, she's a four-time Olympian and two-time bronze medalist, and has represented Finland at 10 IIHF Women's World Championships, earning silver and bronze medals. Tapani's versatility extends beyond hockey, as she's a decorated ringette player, having won five gold medals with Finland's national team. The Fleet's decision to protect Tapani showcases her importance to the team's success and her potential impact in the upcoming season. This move also highlights the PWHL's commitment to building a strong foundation for its expansion teams, ensuring a competitive and exciting league for fans worldwide. As the league continues to grow, the protection of key players like Tapani becomes crucial for the long-term sustainability and success of the PWHL.
