Boston, MA – The Boston Pride have announced the signing of defender Olivia Zafuto to a one-year contract ahead of the 2022-23 Premier Hockey Federation season. Additional terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
The 25-year-old from Niagara Falls, NY most recently played with the Linköping Hockey Club of the SDHL during the 2021-22 season. In 41 games, Zafuto totaled 13 goals and 10 assists with a +27 plus/minus rating. She also has two seasons of professional experience as a member of the PWHPA from 2019-21, first competing in the Buffalo region and then in Minnesota during her second season.
“I chose to sign with Boston because I have loved watching the team culture grow over the past two seasons,” said Zafuto. “Coming from western NY, we are a sports hotbed, and Boston has that same feel. Plus, I love the city! I am so excited to play in front of the incredible fans!”
From 2015-19, Zafuto played collegiate hockey at Colgate University. In 152 career games, she totaled 33 goals, 71 assists, and 176 shot blocks. Zafuto was named to the All-NCAA Tournament team in March 2018 of her junior year, then as a senior she ranked third nationally among defenders in scoring with 34 points, and had a career high 71 blocks in 37 games. This earned Zafuto recognition on the 2019 ECAC Hockey All-Conference Second Team, as well as 2019 Colgate Women’s Hockey Defensive MVP, and finalist for the 2019 ECAC Defenseman of the Year Award. On top of being a standout defender, Zafuto excelled academically, becoming a three-time ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team honoree as well as a three-time Raider Academic Honor Roll honoree.
“We’re excited to welcome Zafuto to the Pride. She brings high energy both on and off the ice. Zafuto is a consistent defender, and she isn’t afraid to step up to the challenge when necessary,” says General Manager Maddie Rigsby. “We know that Zafuto has what it takes to work hard all season to chase the Isobel Cup.”
Zafuto is Boston’s 18th signing of the offseason as the Pride continue to announce their 2022-23 roster. She joins returnees McKenna Brand, Meghara McManus, Lauren Kelly, Christina Putigna, Taylor Wenczkowski, Sammy Davis, Kaleigh Fratkin, Lovisa Selander, Jenna Rheault, Kayla Friesen, and Kali Flanagan, as well as free agents Allie Thunstrom, Loren Gabel, and Aneta Tejralová, and collegiate newcomers Becca Gilmore, Élizabeth Giguère, and Corinne Schroeder. As Boston looks to continue an incredible run, Zafuto brings offensive talent to the Pride’s strong blue line.
