The Minnesota Frost have re-signed Grace Zumwinkle to a three-year contract and Lee Stecklein to a two-year contract, protecting both in Phase 3 of the PWHL's Expansion Player Distribution Process.
On Friday, the Minnesota Frost announced the contract extensions for defender Lee Stecklein and forward Grace Zumwinkle, protecting both players as Phase 3 of the Expansion Player Distribution Process continues.
Stecklein, who signed a two-year contract extension, finished the season with 14 points, the most of her PWHL career, and has amassed a total of 31 points over 82 regular-season games since being signed as a foundational player by the organization ahead of the inaugural season. Stecklein has added 13 points in 23 postseason games, helping the team to consecutive Walter Cup championships.
Zumwinkle, who signed a three-year contract extension, had 23 points in 29 regular-season games for the Frost, the most of her PWHL career. Drafted 13th overall by the team in the inaugural PWHL Draft, Zumwinkle was named the 2024 PWHL Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie Team and Second Team All-Star honours, and helped Minnesota to consecutive Walter Cup championships.
The two signings account for two of the three the team has in Phase 3 of expansion, and follows the organization's protection of forwards Taylor Heise and Kelly Pannek, and goaltender Maddie Rooney.
The Phase 3 signing period continues until Friday, June 12, at 3 p.m. EST, followed by a 5 p.m. EST deadline for existing teams to submit their protection lists.