Corinne Schroeder has made an unbelievable transition to the pros. The Elm Creek goaltender has already proven to be one of, if not the best netminder in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) in her rookie campaign. 

Schroeder has helped lead the Boston Pride to first place in the league standings and set a new league record for wins by a goalie in a season with 18.

"It's incredible, honestly," says Schroeder. "The record was previously held by my goalie partner Lovisa (Selander). So, it's a little bittersweet to break her record of 17 wins in a season. To be able to win 18 games out of the 22 that we've played so far is pretty incredible from a team standpoint and from a personal standpoint, as well."

The goaltender knew she was going to carry a ton of the workload in net for Boston this year, starting all but two games in the regular season. Schroeder says she's used to playing this many games but doing it at this level added a new element.

"It's definitely tough on the body. It's been a difficult season physically just making sure I'm good to go on the weekends and managing any minor injuries," Schroeder continues. "It's been a bit of a heavy workload but it's been great. With such a short season, you don't want to give up any opportunities to play at all. We only have 20-some games, and all of them are exciting and can be close games. Making sure I was prepared and ready was something I had to focus on a little bit more this season."

Total wins is not the only single-season record Schroeder broke this year, as she now holds the title for most total saves in a season, and most shutouts in a season.

To put all of her success into perspective, in the 17-week season, Schroeder was named one of the league's three stars of the week twelve times. The only other player to earn a star of the week nod more than six times was her teammate Loren Gabel.

"It's a major confidence boost. Being awarded a star, whether it's weekly or for one game, it's incredible. It's a huge honour to be recognized as one of the best players," Schroeder continues. "It's a big confidence boost going into the playoffs. Collectively, we know we are capable to go all the way and win the cup if we play together and find our rhythm."

Only four teams make the PHF playoffs, with the semi-final series being best-of-three, where all three games are played at the higher seed's home arena. The winners of the two series meet on a neutral rink in Arizona for a single elimination game to crown the champions.

It's Schroeder's first year with the Pride but this isn't their first year being a powerhouse, as Boston has won back-to-back PHF Championships.

"On paper, we're one of the most talented rosters. Chemistry can make things a little different. When you have teams with a lot of talent, you don't always find who works well together as easily. I think now, especially at the end of our season, we've really come together and are collectively on the same page. The individual goals don't matter at this point. What matters is the team. Everything we do is going to be moving toward the greater goal we have as a group."

She knows they will have a target on their back throughout the playoffs and adds that can create some pressure.

"Our coach always says this, 'Everyone hates us. Everyone hates us because we're good. Everyone hates us because we have that record.' There's always a target on our back, and there's been that pressure the whole season. So, it's not like much has changed. It'll just be that due-or-die situation that adds pressure but that's how the playoffs are all the time."

Schroeder is extremely proud of all her accomplishments from her debut season, however, she says she would trade all of that in an instant to be able to hoist the PHF Championship.

Related Stories