The Minnesota Whitecaps announced the first two official signings of the 2023 offseason re-signing Olivia Knowles and Brittyn Fleming

The Minnesota Whitecaps made the first official announcements of the PHF offseason re-signing Olivia Knowles and Brittyn Fleming, who both signed two-year contracts with the team.

After spending five seasons with Minnesota State, Fleming recently completed her rookie season in the PHF. After scoring 45 points in 35 games in her senior season with Minnesota State, Fleming had nine points in 24 games as a rookie with the Whitecaps last season.

“I am very excited to bring Brittyn back for the next two years. I believe she is a core player and expect her success to continue from the end of last season,” Whitecaps general manager Chi-Yin Tse said. “She possesses the ability to control the puck to make crafty plays and has a scoring touch.”

Minnesota also re-signed Olivia Knowles, who similar to Fleming, was a rookie with the Whitecaps last season after playing NCAA hockey in the region. Knowles captained the University of Minnesota, spending five seasons at the school after twice representing Canada at the U-18 World Championships. 

According to Tse, the five-foot-nine blueliner brings an element of physicality to the Whitecaps defense corps.

“Olivia is one of the most physically and mentally strong players I have ever met; her durability and strength on the blue line will help stabilize us offensively and defensively,” said Tse.

Both players were integral in Minnesota's first round upset of the Boston Pride in last season's Isobel Cup playoffs. The Whitecaps were eventually defeated by the Toronto Six in the Isobel Cup final.