Dominique Kremer, Loren Gabel, Carly Jackson selected by PHF fans in online vote
BOSTON, MA – (May 18, 2023) – The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the Fans’ Three Stars of the Season for 2022-23 including defender Dominique Kremer of the Buffalo Beauts, forward Loren Gabel of the Boston Pride, and goaltender Carly Jackson of the Toronto Six. The three players were selected the most by fans who participated in an online vote during the first week of May.
First Star: Kremer played her first season as captain of the Beauts, finishing tied for fifth in team scoring with 10 points in 23 games. The 25-year-old from Napoleonville, LA was named a PHF All-Star for the second time in her three-year career and has now accumulated 21 points in 49 games. The 2022 Defender of the Year is a graduate of Merrimack College who has endeared herself to the passionate fans at Buffalo’s Northtown Center, affectionately known as ‘Fort Beaut’.
“I want to make sure I thank everyone who voted,” said Kremer. “It is quite a humbling moment to realize that I have that level of backing behind me. I don’t even like calling them loyal ‘fans’, as I consider them all an extension of my hockey family. Shoutout to my incredible family, my crazy Louisiana Cajuns, the awesome Wade Warriors, my lifetime hockey friends, and the amazing Beauts’ nation for their constant love and support. Definitely blessed with the best!”
Second Star: Gabel adds another honor to her decorated season that includes MVP, Outstanding Player of the Year, Newcomer, and Offensive Player of the Year awards. The 25-year-old from Kitchener, Ontario impressed fans at Warrior Ice Arena and around the league tying a single-season record with 40 points from 20 goals and 20 assists in 22 games for the Pride. Before she arrived in Boston, the Clarkson University graduate was a two-time NCAA champion in 2017 and 2018, a Patty Kazmaier Award recipient in 2019, and a bronze medalist with Canada at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our fans who support us day in and day out,” said Gabel. “I am incredibly honored that they voted me as the Second Star in the fan vote!”
Third Star: Jackson brought her unique style to Toronto after two seasons in Buffalo and helped the Six capture their first Isobel Cup championship, fittingly played at Arizona’s Mullett Arena with a name to match her famous hair. The 25-year-old from Amherst, Nova Scotia won all five of her starts this season, posting a goals-against-average of 1.90 and a save percentage of .926. As a PHF rookie, the University of Maine graduate was a Foundation Award recipient and voted the Fans’ Second Star of the 2021 season.
“First of all, thank you to the fans for honoring me with this award,” said Jackson. “I can’t say enough about the importance of the love you give us. It is a true joy to play in this league in front of the best audience! Sharing the love of the game with PHF fans is a great blessing the game has given me. Thank you again, I am so happy to be in this position and to be blessed with this award. Love you PHF fans xo!”
PHF fans have had the opportunity to cast their ballot in support of top performers and favorite players annually since 2016-17. Last year’s three recipients included Mikyla Grant-Mentis (Toronto), Cassidy Vinkle (Buffalo), and Taylor Wenczkowski (Boston). Grant-Mentis was also recognized in 2021 along with Jackson and Boston’s Mallory Souliotis. In 2020, recipients were Amanda Leveille (Minnesota), Marie-Jo Pelletier (Buffalo), and Brooke Wolejko (Connecticut). In 2019, Madison Packer (Metropolitan), Katerina Mrázová (Connecticut), and Amanda Boulier (Minnesota) were recognized. 2018 winners were Sophia Agostinelli (Connecticut), Harrison Browne (Metropolitan), and Hayley Scamurra (Buffalo). Browne was also honored in 2017 as a member of the Beauts, with Anya Battaglino representing Connecticut, and Rebecca Russo from the Riveters.
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About the Premier Hockey Federation
The PHF is the home of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and provide opportunities for elite athletes to earn a living playing the game they love while fueling the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, Montreal Force, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup. As part of a two-year agreement with ESPN, live coverage of the 2023-24 PHF season is available exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States and provides international rights for games that include TSN in Canada. For more information visit premierhockeyfederation.com.
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Featured image by: Premier Hockey Federation
