Aerin Frankel

Aerin Frankel Bio

Aerin Jordan Frankel is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the United States women’s national ice hockey team. She is recognized as one of the best goaltenders in women’s NCAA history, having won the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award in 2021. Frankel is also a two-time recipient of the WHCA National Goalie of the Year award and played a crucial role in the national team’s success, winning gold at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Early Life and Background

Aerin Frankel was born on May 24, 1999, in New York City, New York. Raised in Briarcliff, New York, she began skating at the age of four and transitioned to playing as a goaltender at the age of nine. Frankel’s early exposure to hockey was significant, as she played for Shattuck-Saint Mary’s preparatory school, where she achieved remarkable success, winning three national titles. Her impressive performance included a goals-against average of 1.10, a .945 save percentage, and 39 shutouts during her high school career. Frankel’s dedication to the sport and her early achievements laid a strong foundation for her future in ice hockey. She pursued her education at Northeastern University, where she continued to excel in her hockey career.

Path to Hockey

In 2017, Aerin Frankel began her collegiate career at Northeastern University, serving as the starting goaltender for the university’s women’s ice hockey program. During her rookie year, she posted an impressive .934 save percentage, leading all NCAA rookies. Frankel’s standout performance continued in her sophomore year, where she recorded a 28-save shutout in the opening game of the 2018–19 season, becoming the first goaltender to shut out Boston University since 2011. Her contributions helped the Northeastern Huskies win a second consecutive WHEA Championship that year. In the 2019–20 season, Frankel set multiple records for the university, including goals-against average, save percentage, shutouts, and wins, with her .958 save percentage leading the NCAA. She was recognized as a top-10 finalist for the 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and earned accolades as Hockey East Goaltender of the Year for two consecutive years.

Aerin Frankel Career

Early Career (2017–2021)

Aerin Frankel’s professional career began in 2017 when she joined Northeastern University. Her notable achievements during this period included being named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and earning multiple accolades for her performance in the NCAA. Frankel’s early career was marked by her exceptional skills as a goaltender, setting the stage for her future success in professional hockey.

Breakthrough (2021–Present)

Frankel’s breakthrough came in 2021 when she won the Patty Kazmaier Award, solidifying her status as one of the top goaltenders in women’s ice hockey. She continued to excel in her collegiate career, leading Northeastern University to significant victories and earning individual accolades. In 2023, Frankel made her mark on the international stage, serving as the primary goaltender for the United States women’s national team at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, where she helped secure a gold medal. Her performance included a remarkable record of 5-0-1, with a .931 save percentage and a 1.48 goals-against average.

Notable Works and Milestones

Aerin Frankel’s signature achievements include winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2021 and being named the WHCA National Goalie of the Year in both 2021 and 2022. Her contributions to the national team culminated in a gold medal victory at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, where she became the first U.S. women’s goalie to start five consecutive games at an Olympics or worlds in 26 years.

Aerin Frankel Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Aerin Frankel has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, where she was recognized as a top-10 finalist in 2020.

Aerin Frankel Awards Won

Aerin Frankel has achieved significant recognition in her career, including winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2021 and being named the WHCA National Goalie of the Year in both 2021 and 2022. Her contributions to the United States women’s national team were instrumental in their gold medal victory at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.