PWHL Minnesota has one of the smallest groups of newcomers, but they are adding three national team members for the 2024-2025 season. Here's a look at Minnesota's new faces.
PWHL Minnesota has one of the smallest groups of newcomers, but they are adding three national team members for the 2024-2025 season. Here's a look at Minnesota's new faces.
Coming off the first ever Walter Cup title, PWHL Minnesota had some turnover and will see new faces joining their roster next season. They also have several positions still to be decided in training camp that could make their roster look more, or less, familiar to fans. The one newcomer fans are waiting to meet is the team's general manager, and at least one more assistant coach.
Who's not returning?
Dominique Kremer signed to play in Sweden, while Sophia Kunin, Amanda Leveille, and Brittyn Fleming announced their retirements from hockey. Emma Greco signed as a free agent with PWHL Boston, Abigail Boreen was drafted by Montreal, and Clair DeGeorge is attending Montreal's training camp as a free agent. Others currently unsigned from last year's roster include Mellissa Channell, Brooke Bryant, Claire Butorac, and Sydney Brodt.
Meet The Newcomers
Right now, the list of confirmed new faces is short - Claire Thompson, Britta Curl, and Klara Hymlarova. The group has the opportunity to make an impact, with Thompson the headliner after going third overall to Minnesota in the draft. Curl and Hymlarova will be a boost to the compete level for Minnesota up front, although it will be interesting to see how Minnesota fans take to Curl, after the controversy surrounding her selection. Hymlarova was perhaps the most versatile player in the draft having played wing, centre, and even defense at the NCAA and international levels. Any time you can add three national team members to a roster, it's nothing to scoff at.
Unsigned Draft Picks
Most teams in the league have locked in three picks, with the rest remaining unsigned heading into camp. Minnesota is no different signing Thompson, Curl, and Hymlarova to two-year deals, and waiting for the rest. The other factor here is, Minnesota operated most of the offseason without a permanent general manager. Minnesota's unsigned picks include Brooke McQuigge, Dominque Petrie, Mae Batherson, and Katelyn Knoll. All four have a legitimate chance to make Minnesota's roster. McQuigge is currently playing in Sweden, having already signed overseas, but she'll leave Europe in time for training camp.