Boston Pride defender recognized for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication during 2022-23 season
BOSTON, MA – (April 13, 2023) – The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced that defender Lauren Kelly of the Boston Pride has been selected as the Denna Laing Award recipient for the 2022-23 regular season. The award was determined by Denna and her family and goes to the player who most exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport.
“Selecting the winner of this year’s Denna Laing Award was extremely difficult because there were many deserving candidates, each traversing their own adversity with relentlessness and a positive attitude,” said Laing. “This year’s winner, Lauren Kelly, has garnered the respect of her coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and fans. After suffering a season ending injury before the year even began, Lauren battled back in therapy and continued to show up for practices and games even though she couldn’t be on the ice. I think this dedication to the sport and the team makes Lauren a quintessential teammate as well as the perfect candidate for this award. Everyone faces adversity to some extent, but not everyone can adapt to a different role and gracefully excel as Lauren has this year. For these reasons, Lauren stood out to me and my family and we are happy to name her this year’s Denna Laing Award winner.”
Kelly re-signed for a fifth PHF season and was to be an integral part of Boston’s blue line during the 2022-23 campaign but suffered a devastating ankle injury during the preseason that required surgery and kept her out of the lineup entirely. She maintained a positive attitude while embracing her unexpected role on the team, and her commitment to supporting her teammates never wavered as she pushed beyond her limits during rehabilitation with the goal of getting back on the ice.
“This season I was challenged mentally and physically in a way I had never been before,” said Kelly. “I relied on my family, friends, and my Pride family to get me through the hard times during recovery. I’m grateful to have had all of the support throughout the season. My goal for this year was to be the best teammate I could be. I wanted to be a consistent positive voice in the locker room, and support the team the best I could.
“When I was announced as a finalist for the Denna Laing Award, I was so honored and humbled,” added Kelly. “Denna has been an inspiration to…
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