With PWHL expansion looming, the defending champion Frost go out on top
For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Frost have emerged victorious in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, with captain Kendall Coyne Schofield once again hoisting the coveted Walter Cup. It was a hard-fought battle for the Frost, who overcame numerous challenges to claim the championship title.
The Frost, who barely made it into the playoffs as the final seed, showcased their resilience and determination throughout the season. Led by Coyne Schofield, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the league, the team faced adversity head-on and emerged triumphant once again.
This year’s championship victory was particularly special as it took place in front of a home crowd of over 11,000 fans at the Xcel Energy Center. The atmosphere was electric as the Frost defeated the Ottawa Charge 2-1 in overtime in Game 4, solidifying their status as back-to-back champions.
However, amidst the celebrations, the reality of change looms large for the Frost. With the upcoming expansion draft introducing new teams in Seattle and Vancouver, tough decisions lie ahead for the Minnesota squad. General manager Melissa Caruso and her staff must carefully consider who to protect in the draft, as only three players can be safeguarded initially.
The end of this season also signifies the end of an era for the Frost, with the team facing the inevitable prospect of roster changes. Players like goaltender Maddie Rooney, who is a free agent, may be moving on to new opportunities, marking the bittersweet conclusion of a successful chapter in the team’s history.
In Game 4 of the championship series, the Frost once again showcased their depth and resilience. After forward Kelly Pannek opened the scoring, Ottawa’s Tereza Vanišová equalized in the third period, sending the game into overtime. It was fourth-line center Liz Schepers who emerged as the hero for Minnesota, scoring the game-winning goal for the second consecutive year.
Despite Ottawa’s valiant efforts, led by goaltender Gwyneth Philips who was awarded the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP, they fell short of claiming the championship. The Charge put up a strong fight throughout the series, but ultimately couldn’t match the Frost’s scoring prowess.
As the league prepares for expansion and teams face tough decisions in the upcoming draft, the Frost will cherish their last championship victory together. With a new era on the horizon and the league growing to eight teams, winning the Walter Cup will only become more challenging. But for now, the Frost can revel in their well-deserved success and the memories they’ve created together.
