Courtney Kessel Departs PWHL Boston Fleet to Lead Princeton Women’s Hockey Team as Head Coach

Princeton officially announced Courtney Kessel’s appointment as women’s hockey coach on Monday, following a week of finalizing the agreement between both parties.

Kessel, who coached the PWHL Boston Fleet for the past two years, returns to Princeton. She previously served as an assistant coach under Cara Gardner Morey from 2019 to 2023. Kessel now replaces Gardner Morey, who transitioned to the role of general manager for the PWHL’s new Vancouver team in May.

The 35-year-old Kessel achieved a 27-19-8 record in Boston and led the team to the Walter Cup Finals in 2024, where they were narrowly defeated by Minnesota in Game 5.

“Leaving the Boston Fleet and the wonderful team there is bittersweet, but this opportunity at Princeton is the only one that could draw me away,” said Kessel.

Originally from Toronto, Kessel was a standout at New Hampshire and was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2010. She has also represented Canada in three world championships, capturing gold in 2012.

In her coaching career, Kessel has served Hockey Canada, assisting the senior team in 2024 and leading the 2023 gold-medal winning Under-18 team.

The Boston Fleet are experiencing major changes this offseason. Star player Hilary Knight moved to the PWHL’s new Seattle team, and the assistant general manager position is now open after Meghan Turner was appointed GM in Seattle.

“Courtney’s leadership, dedication, and strategic acumen have greatly advanced our team,” said Fleet GM Danielle Marmer. “Her early success in coaching has set a high standard, and she will undoubtedly continue to excel at Princeton.”

Related: Women’s Hockey

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