An emotional victory against the defending Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride was a direct rebuttal against the sporting cynics who claim that there is a Buffalo Sports Curse. The amazing team effort of the Buffalo Beauts was defined all season by the friendship and support shown towards the inspiring Harrison Browne, whose unforgettable season culminates as the first transgender competitor to capture a professional sporting championship.

There were definitely a unique series of subplots surrounding the Beauts triumph. Taking into account that Brianne McLaughlin had announced her retirement just a few weeks earlier, her storied career ended the way so few can ever hope to achieve. Free agent forward Corinne Buie becomes the first competitor to win the first two Isobel Cups. Kelley Steadman, who scored the first goal in franchise history, joins the exclusive sorority of women that have won both the Isobel and Clarkson Cups in a career.

For Browne, the Isobel Cup win represents an amazing validation. From the outset, the Beauts first regular season game, which took place on home ice the day after Browne’s revelation, saw the defending Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride visiting Harbor Center. With the Pride defending their title in the game’s final season, a winner-take-all for the Isobel Cup, Browne’s season came full circle in pure storybook fashion.

As all winners get their names etched on the coveted Cup, akin to the same prestige bestowed upon the winners of the Stanley Cup, the feeling that Harrison Browne shall find its unique place among his teammates on the Cup represents a proud milestone, which was relayed in a very inspiring message on social media,

“The thing that I’m thinking about the most is that, Harrison Browne is going to be etched onto that trophy and, that really makes me very emotional thinking about that. So, I’m gonna go down in history and that’s great, and I’m glad that I really opened the door for somebody else to get their chosen name on that trophy.”

Undoubtedly, the 2016-17 NWHL season shall best be remembered as the season of Harrison Browne. In a city known for the remarkable feeling of family and loyalty among its devoted sports fans, Browne could not have asked for a more devoted and compassionate place to reveal his transgender status.

From the first faceoff, Browne was met with support from all involved in the Beauts and the Buffalo sporting communities, along with a growing legion of fans on both sides of the border. It helped set the tone for a season that culminated with the opportunity to add to a growing women’s sporting legacy in the region, which also includes the amazing Western New York Flash. Featuring Marta and Christine Sinclair, the Flash (who also played home games in Rochester) captured three professional women’s soccer championships from 2010 to 2012.

Although Browne’s decision to come forward as the first transgender athlete in modern professional sport in North America made international news, the sense of history only scratches the surface. Browne made an important statement about individuality and the bravery to follow one’s path. Such an admirable decision embodies one of life’s maxims in that people who refuse to take risks never get ahead.

As the season progressed, so too did the admiration for Browne. Among the accolades that Browne received was the opportunity to participate in the second NWHL All-Star Game. Contested in Pittsburgh, the first time that the league went out of market for such an event, Browne played on Team Kessel with Beauts’ teammate Megan Bozek. The historic event was an affirmation of more than just Browne’s popularity, but his exceptional skill, scoring twice, while teammate Amanda Kessel logged the event’s first-ever hat trick.

Having competed at the collegiate level for one season with the Mercyhurst Lakers in nearby Erie before transferring to Maine, the women’s hockey fans of Pennsylvania had a familiarity with Browne. The chance to compete once again in the Keystone State signified a triumphant return for him, scoring twice in the contest.

The All-Star experience would also bring with it an unforeseen gesture of friendship, which took place after the magical run to the Isobel Cup. As the game worn jerseys from the All-Star Game were auctioned online, the journey of Browne’s jersey only added more magic to an unforgettable season.

In the same week that Browne and the Beauts were honored by the Buffalo Sabres prior to their March 21 home date with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a serendipitous touch considering the Steel City’s impact regarding the NWHL All-Star Game, the jersey would find its way back in Harrison’s possession. A devoted fan named Eric, who acquired the jersey, commendably gave it back to Browne as a gift.

Considering that Browne’s season ended as it began, with a courageous decision that sees him retire from professional hockey, the jersey represents more than just a distinguished souvenir to commemorate Browne’s time in Buffalo. Such a thoughtful display of reverential friendship the true gift, which is destined to be the theme of Harrison’s cherished 2016-17 season, representing his lasting sporting legacy.