College Sports
Frost protect Coyne Schofield, Heise and Stecklein heading into expansion draft
Lee Stecklein is one of three players protected by the Minnesota Frost heading into he expansion draft. (Photo by: Josh Kim / Ottawa Charge) Saint Paul, MN (June 3, 2025) – Minnesota Frost General Manager Melissa Caruso issued the following comment on the team’s PWHL Expansion Draft Protected Player List (Kendall Coyne Schofield, Lee Stecklein and Taylor Heise). […]
Saint Paul, MN (June 3, 2025) – Minnesota Frost General Manager Melissa Caruso issued the following comment on the team’s PWHL Expansion Draft Protected Player List (Kendall Coyne Schofield, Lee Stecklein and Taylor Heise).
“It’s been a roller coaster of a week for the Frost. After winning the Walter Cup we transitioned quickly to exit meetings and a lot of tough conversations regarding the deadline that was looming this morning. At the end of the day, we are fortunate to be in a situation where we have so many impact players on this roster. Unfortunately, we are just not able to protect them all.
Over the last two seasons, a foundation and culture has been established within our organization that we feel these three players, in addition to their skill and ability on the ice, embody, and will continue to uphold as leaders on and off the ice as we move forward into season three. Additionally, they are all proven winners whose experience will be invaluable as we evolve toward the next phase of the Minnesota Frost.”
The following Frost players are eligible for the team’s fourth protection pick, the league’s exclusive signing window or an expansion draft selection:
Mae Batherson (D), Britta Curl-Salemme (F), Nicole Hensley (G), Klára Hymlárová (F), Sophie Jaques (D), Katy Knoll (F), Denisa Křížová (F), Brooke McQuigge (F), Kelly Pannek (F), Dominique Petrie (F), Claire Thompson (D), Grace Zumwinkle (F)
The following players are eligible for the league’s exclusive signing window only:
Charlotte Akervik (D), Marlène Boissonnault (G), Brooke Bryant (F), Natalie Buchbinder (D), Claire Butorac (F), Michela Cava (F), Mellissa Channell-Watkins (D), Maggie Flaherty (D), Kaitlyn O’Donohoe (F), Maddie Rooney (G), Liz Schepers (F)
ABOUT MINNESOTA FROST
Minnesota Frost is one of six teams in the newly launched Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was founded in 2023. The PWHL began its inaugural season in January 2024 and features the best women’s hockey players in the world. The PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide record for a women’s hockey game. For the latest news and information on Minnesota Frost, visit minnesota.thepwhl.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.
