There were many contributors to PWHL Minnesota's inaugural Walter Cup title, but none more important, according to her teammates, than captain Kendall Coyne Schofield.
Kendall Coyne Schofield raises the Walter Cup as the PWHL's champions for the first time ever with PWHL Minnesota on May 29, 2024.Kendall Coyne Schofield was the PWHPA's leader working toward the founding of a new league. When the first season of that new league, the PWHL, came to a close, it was Kendall Coyne Schofield lifting the championship trophy.
Coyne Schofield, a long time leader of USA's national team was signed and named captain of PWHL Minnesota prior to the season, and in game five of the PWHL finals, Coyne Schofield iced the game scoring a late empty net goal to give PWHL Minnesota a 3-0 win and 3-2 series win to claim the first Walter Cup.
In postgame media, Coyne Schofield's efforts on and off ice were recognized by Minnesota assistant captains Lee Stecklein and Kelly Pannek.
"We woulnd't be here without her, and she hates when I say it, but it's so true. She's just a really special player, a really special person," said Lee Stecklein of Coyne Schofield.
It was a sentiment echoed by Kelly Pannek. The trio were the first three players signed by PWHL Minnesota prior to the season, and they were tagged with leadership responsibilities for the team. Eventually, they became three crucial pieces to PWHL Minnesota winning the inaugural title, but not more crucial than Coyne Schofield.
"Could not have been a more fitting end for her to be lifting the trophy, for her to score the empty netter," said Kelly Pannek.
Kendall Coyne Schofield is a sure fire first ballot Hockey Hall of Famer, and adding the inaugural Walter Cup title to her resume only solidified that more.