Kelly Pannek and Taylor Heise, members of the PWHL's Minnesota Frost and USA's Olympic women's hockey team spoke out in support of Minnesota residents who are "standing up for what's right amongst the unnecessary and just horrifying things that are happening" at the hands of ICE.
On the scoreboard, the back-to-back Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost earned a 6-2 win over the New York Sirens. After the game, however, the emotions and focus turned to the fans in the stands, and what Minnesota residents are enduring at the hands of ICE agents who have now shot and killed multiple American citizens on the streets of Minneapolis.
"I just wanted to take the time to recognize what's been happening in our state with Alex (Pretti) and Renee (Good), thinking about their families, it's obviously really heavy," said Frost assistant captain and Olympic gold medalist Kelly Pannek. "I think people have been asking a lot of us what it's like to represent our state and our country."
The statements were made after the second killing by ICE agents in the state this week. Videos have circulated showing ICU nurse Alex Pretti being shot several times by ICE agents this week, following Renee Good being shot and killed earlier this month.
"What I'm most proud to represent is the tens of thousands of people that show up on some of the coldest days of the year to stand and fight for what they believe in, for the people that, it might not really truly affect them on a personal level, but it affects their neighbors, it affects their community, it affects our community as a whole."
Pannek, a Plymouth, Minnesota product, is set to represent the United States at her third Olympics next month in Italy. She was visibly upset speaking on the killings by ICE agents in Minneapolis, only miles from Grand Casino Arena where the Frost play their home games.
"I think it's just really important to acknowledge that we're really lucky to get to play this game and I'm really happy that people showed up today and hopefully we provided them a couple hours' worth of joy, community, togetherness. I think it's just really important for us to acknowledge what's happening in our community, but also the amount of hope and strength the people of Minnesota are showing in standing up for what's right amongst the unnecessary and just horrifying things that are happening."
Fans attending Minnesota Frost games earlier this month had anti-ICE signs confiscated, but during tonight's game, "ICE Out Now" chants were audible and fans forced the arena camera people to frequently change the fans they were showcasing as visual protests were occurring on screen.
"I hear it from our fans and I know that they're speaking on behalf of a lot of people around the state right now and I just thought it was important for us to acknowledge that we support that message as well."
Team USA star and the inaugural PWHL first overall pick Taylor Heise also spoke to the moment and the importance of acknowledging the wrongdoings by ICE they see occurring. She hoped Frost games have become a safe place for residents living in fear outside the arena.
"We want this to be a safe place, this is a place anyone can come watch our games, be a part of our atmosphere," said Heise. "It's the harsh reality we live in. I think Minnesota, we're coming together and finding ways to support one another.
"I think as a group we've done a great job of making people feel safe, even though you can't feel safe, I feel like, in this time and place here in Minnesota."