Loren Gabel couldn’t have asked for a better first season in the Premier Hockey Federation, so far.
The Boston forward and league newcomer wrapped up the 2022-23 campaign atop the scoring charts with 40 points including 20 goals and 20 assists in 22 games which tied teammate Jillian Dempsey’s single season record and produced just the second offensive triple crown in league history.
Her efforts also helped secure the team’s fourth regular season title in eight years and brings the Pride one step closer to a third-straight Isobel Cup title.
“It was really great for us to be regular season champions, but we haven’t won anything yet and our eyes are focused on the playoffs and taking it game by game and bringing the Isobel Cup back to Boston,” Gabel said after Sunday’s season finale in Toronto. “It’s definitely special winning the scoring title but I couldn’t have had the season I’ve had without my linemates and teammates, coaching staff and support staff. The people I get to play with are great players and their support day in and day out has been amazing. I thank them for all of the help that they’ve given me this year and pushing me to be my best both on and off the ice.”
Gabel’s record-tying 40th point on Sunday was an assist on Olivia Zafuto’s goal to extend her point-streak to 11-straight games, but it was her 20th goal of the season scored on Saturday that was a real difference maker in the team’s 3-2 comeback win over T6 to clinch first place.
“Scoring on the breakaway was to tie the game 2-2, and we really needed that,” she said. “Everything went up from there and was super positive on the bench. There was a lot of stuff going through my head when I was on that breakaway, like if I should deke or shoot, but I saw five-hole and chose to take that shot and it went in the back of the net. Any chance I get to shoot the puck I shoot to score and that’s the mindset that I’ve had since I graduated Clarkson. It helped me there and it’s continuing to help me here.”
The weekend was special for the Kitchener, Ontario native playing in front of close to 40 family and friends in her home province, while the highly anticipated series between the playoff-bound teams showcased the competitiveness and intensity to be expected down the stretch.
“It’s great to have family and friends there,” Gabel said. “This weekend got us even more ready for playoffs because Toronto is a really great team and every team from here on out is going to bring their best and we’ve just got to be ready for it.”
The 25-year-old Gabel graduated from Clarkson University in 2019 and spent the last three seasons in the PWHPA. She’s pleased with how she has developed in her first PHF season, putting in the hard work in practices and taking advantage of extra ice sessions.
“The most important thing is coming together as a team and getting the job done, but for me personally, my growth this year has been really big and I thank my coaches for that,” she said. “Something that I’ve worked on is my defensive zone. It’s something that has always lacked in my game because I’m a very offensive forward, but I think little improvements in that area have helped me. Something that Matt (Desrosiers) said at Clarkson is defense translates to offense and I truly believe that if you play good defensively things will happen offensively. I think I also got a lot faster this year which obviously has helped me beating defenders and taking pucks to the net and getting as many shots as I can.”
Gabel’s season isn’t short of highlights. The All-Star MVP also had performances that tied the single game goals record of four and the points record of six back on Dec. 11 that she remembers fondly.
“I think one of the games that has stuck out is probably the Buffalo game where I had a six-point night,” Gabel said. “Buffalo came back but we got the job done and it was a lot of fun doing that. All of the games have been pretty memorable. It’s my first year in the PHF and playing for Boston and it’s been an amazing season.”
With the schedule quickly turning to playoffs, the 2019 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner can draw from her NCAA experiences winning two-straight national championships with the Golden Knights in 2017 and 2018.
“It’s a lot of work and you can’t take any shifts off,” she said. “It comes down to who is going to outperform and outwork the other team. Winning championships in the past, it was nerve-wracking as one game finals in the Frozen Four, but you have to push past that and bury every chance you get and have some fun.”
The Pride open their best-of-three semifinal series against the Whitecaps at home on Thursday night. Gabel missed the team’s Minnesota road trip while competing with Canada’s National Women’s Team in the Rivalry Series, but contributed a shootout goal and three assists in the recent head-to-head sweep.
“Minnesota is a good team,” Gabel said. “They have a lot of skill, they grind it out, but I think if we play our game and play how we know how to play we can get the win. Everyone is playing at their best when everyone focuses on the role they’re supposed to play. A lot of confidence and positivity on the bench and in the dressing room is most important. Coming together as a team and playing as one, when we do that we can get the job done and it’s a lot of fun.”
Gabel is well aware of Boston’s championship history as the only PHF team to win three Isobel Cups, including back-to-back titles, and wants to add to the legacy.
“Boston has had amazing seasons in the past,” she said. “It would be truly amazing if we could bring another Isobel Cup back, especially a three-peat. I think everyone in our dressing room would do anything to accomplish that and I think that’s what’s great. We’re all in it for each other and that’s what’s most important.”
Cover photo by Michelle Jay
