Back in 2018, Aerin Frankel, along with her parents, gathered around the TV at their Chappaqua home to watch the U.S. women’s hockey team battle Canada for the Olympic gold in South Korea.
She was just about to start her college hockey journey at Northeastern. Yet, as she watched the U.S. clinch victory in a thrilling shootout, she found it hard to envision herself in a similar position someday.
“Honestly, I don’t think you believe that you’ll ever reach that level when you’re a kid watching,” Frankel shared in a phone conversation.
Fast forward to 2022, and Frankel was left out of the call for Beijing, even though her coach at Northeastern had faith in her potential.
Now, her big moment is on the horizon at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Once she got the call from Katie Million, the women’s national team director, on New Year’s Eve, her excitement bubbled over. Learning she would make her Olympic debut this month, she immediately reached out to her parents, Peter and Deborah.
“They’ve supported me from day one, always with hockey,” Frankel expressed. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but they have been my rock. This day is special not just for me, but for my whole family. I can’t wait for them to share this with me.”
This was the kind of confirmation Frankel needed, according to her coach. Even though she had been the national team’s main goalie for years, hearing those words was a source of comfort.
“I think she’s been wanting to hear that she’s on the team,” Flint noted. “I could tell she was thrilled but also relieved. Like, ‘Okay, I did it.’”
Frankel made her debut with the Senior National Team during the 2019-20 Rivals Series against Canada and has played in five IIHF Women’s World Championships since then, netting two golds and three silvers. Recently, she was in goal when Team USA achieved its first tournament victory in their last rivalry series held in December.
Now in her third season, Frankel has cemented her place as the top goalie in the PWHL, which is entering its inaugural Olympic cycle this year.
She currently stands second in the PWHL for points per game (1.35) and save percentage (.946), just behind Montreal’s Anne-Renee Desbiens (.954).
Anticipation builds for the highly awaited qualifying round matchup between the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday at 2:10 p.m. ET, where Frankel and Desbiens are expected to lead in goal.
Her family will be watching as she realizes her dream—particularly striking given her upbringing in an area not typically known for hockey.
Initially taken to the rink as a young girl, Frankel quickly developed a love for the game, constantly asking to return. After witnessing other kids in their gear, she wore her parents down for hockey lessons.
Eventually, they decided she should try playing in net, leading her to the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford.
“Being a goalie means playing the whole game, and I think I liked that pressure of being the last defense,” she reflected. “I’m quite competitive, and I believe our position reflects that.”
It’s interesting that, just like back in 2018 when she watched the gold medal game—where a crucial save by Maddie Rooney sealed the win—the spotlight often zeroes in on the goalie in critical moments, especially on such a grand stage.
“If a goalie is off, everyone knows,” Flint pointed out. “But if a third-line center has a rough day, most don’t catch that.”
“It takes a unique character to stand in goal and accept that scrutiny,” he continued. “You have to be ready for the ups and downs and the attention that comes with it.”
Hilary Knight, a veteran of U.S. women’s hockey and a four-time Olympic medalist, sees no trouble for rookie Frankel.
“She’s incredibly skilled. When she’s on with the Boston Fleet, she just makes it look easy, and everyone loves that,” Knight commented. “She plays a crucial role in our wins, which is no small feat as a goalie.”
