Amanda Pelkey Bio
Amanda Pelkey (born May 29, 1993) is an American retired professional ice hockey forward who played most recently for the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She previously played in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) with the Metropolitan Riveters. Pelkey won the Isobel Cup in 2016 with the Boston Pride and was previously affiliated with the Calgary section of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). Her college ice hockey career was played with the Vermont Catamounts women’s ice hockey program in the Hockey East conference of the NCAA Division I.
Early Life and Background
Amanda Pelkey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, United States. Growing up in Vermont, she was exposed to ice hockey at a young age, which led her to pursue the sport seriously. Pelkey played for the North American Hockey Academy (NAHA) White, a team based in Stowe, Vermont, which is part of the Junior Women’s Hockey League. Her early dedication to the sport set the foundation for her future career.
Path to Hockey
As a teenager, Amanda Pelkey played for the North American Hockey Academy, where she gained recognition for her skills on the ice. During the 2010–11 season, she was selected for the Junior Women’s Hockey League All-Star Game at the JWHL Challenge Cup. This early exposure to competitive hockey helped her transition into the collegiate level, where she joined the University of Vermont Catamounts women’s ice hockey program.
Amanda Pelkey Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Amanda Pelkey began her collegiate career in the 2011–12 NCAA season as a freshman, playing all 32 games. In her sophomore year, she tied for second on the team in points, despite missing the first month due to an injury. Pelkey’s junior year was particularly notable as she set single-season program records in goals and points, finishing with 21 goals and 40 points. She became a leader on her team and was named co-captain during her senior year, finishing her college career as Vermont’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.
Breakthrough (2015–2020)
Pelkey’s professional career took off when she signed with the Boston Pride on June 22, 2015, becoming the first player ever to join the team before its inaugural NWHL season. The Boston Pride won the Isobel Cup in their first season, with Pelkey contributing ten points in 16 regular season games. She was also selected to participate in the first NWHL All-Star Game in January 2016.
Notable Works and Milestones
Amanda Pelkey’s signature achievements include winning gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World U18 Championships in 2009 and 2011, as well as gold medals at the IIHF World Women’s Championships in 2016 and 2017. She was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Amanda Pelkey Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Amanda Pelkey has received several nominations for her contributions to women’s ice hockey, particularly during her time in the NWHL and international competitions.
Amanda Pelkey Awards Won
Amanda Pelkey has won multiple prestigious awards, including the Isobel Cup in 2016 and recognition as an NWHL All-Star.
Amanda Pelkey Family
Amanda Pelkey is married to Venla Hovi, a two-time Olympic ice hockey medalist. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Leevi Romeo Pelkey, born in 2024.
Personal Life
Pelkey’s personal life reflects her commitment to both her family and her sport. She married Venla Hovi in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in her life. The couple’s son, Leevi, was born on September 10, 2024, adding joy to their family.