Top scoring Putigna a pivotal playmaker for Pride

Winning teams have productive players.

And for the Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride, Christina Putigna was at the top of the list.

The sophomore forward led the NWHL with 12 points in nine combined games played between Lake Placid and Boston in 2021 and will go down in history as the league’s season six scoring champion.

It marks the fourth time in six years the honor is bestowed upon a member of the Pride following Jillian Dempsey in 2019-20, Brianna Decker in 2016-17, and Hilary Knight in 2015-16.

“It’s so cool to be part of history and help set an example for future players coming up,” Putigna said. “I’m just humbled to be part of that group and talked about with the greats in the league. I’m proud.”

Putigna’s overall scoring line lists two goals with 10 assists but perhaps most impressively is that nine of those 10 helpers were primary markers with many recorded during key moments of big games.

“I’m happy to be a playmaker, making those plays to help us win. I don’t care if it’s a goal or an assist. It feels good to be contributing and I’m grateful to play a role in winning.”

When the Pride needed a spark, Putigna delivered. On the brink of elimination against the Buffalo Beauts she set up the first two tallies in a 6-0 win, then one more in a decisive 7-1 victory to punch Boston’s post-season ticket.

“The turning point of our season was the three-game series against Buffalo,” she said. “We were confident in our roster and to get through those three games was a highlight for us and made us feel like we can do this.”

When play resumed Putigna picked up right where she left off. Two assists in a 6-2 semifinal win over the Toronto Six then a pair of second-period feeds to Dempsey and to Lexie Laing in the 4-3 final over the Minnesota Whitecaps gave the Pride a second championship banner to add to the Warrior Ice Arena rafters.

“Christina had a huge impact on the ice for us this season,” said Pride head coach Paul Mara. “Her vision and playmaking abilities were pivotal to our success. While we can always look to her to pop water bottles, it was amazing to watch her development outside of scoring goals.”

Her success should come as no surprise following a standout rookie season complete with All-Star recognition. Last year the Grimsby, Ontario native finished sixth overall in league scoring 29 points in 24 regular season games which is the highest-scoring season by a Canadian-born skater in NWHL history. The social media-savvy 23-year-old is also a fan favorite and endeared by her teammates.

“To say Christina brings personality to our team would be a gross understatement,” said Pride general manager Karilyn Pilch. “She is known for keeping things light, with a focused intensity that brings the entire room together.”

With two seasons of professional hockey in Boston under her belt, plus four seasons playing for Providence College, it’s fair to say Putigna is comfortable with life as a New Englander and is excited for what the future holds.

“Credit to Paul and Karilyn for building our roster and putting us in an environment to succeed,” Putigna said. “Being in an atmosphere around great teammates my game has grown tremendously. I thought I reached my peak at Providence but in Boston, a fire has been lit inside me.”

Before she lights a new match on season seven, Putigna is happy celebrating her most recent accomplishments with her teammates away from the rink. Sharing the Isobel Cup with fans, being honorary guests at Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics games, and even meeting Boston Mayor Kim Janey are among the highlights of a champions’ life.

“This season was a different scenario but spending time with my teammates and seeing who they are has been a highlight because we’re enjoying it together and it’s bonding us for life.”

Photo credit: @HockeyShots Media