The Minnesota Whitecaps are betting on internal growth and impact from NCAA signings. They did not add pro experience. Will it be enough?
The Minnesota Whitecaps are betting on internal growth and impact from NCAA signings. They did not add pro experience. Will it be enough?
PHF teams took a variety of approaches to the offseason. Some like the Boston Pride primarily added from the NCAA. Others like the Metropolitan Riveters loaded up on veterans from Europe and across the league. Still others like the Toronto Six have played the long game, securing a core and waiting for impact players to choose their program.
The Minnesota Whitecaps turned internally, signing the bulk of their roster from last year, and targeting NCAA free agents from Minnesota to fill in the rest. Here's a look at the key moves made by the Minnesota Whitecaps this offseason.
Key Additions For The Whitecaps
The Minnesota Whitecaps were the only team in the PHF to not add a player from another PHF team, or a professional player from another league. While it's a clear move the Whitecaps are following their own path, building from within, it will be interesting to see how the lack of new star power impacts their success. Every team in the league got noticeably better from outside, while Minnesota chose to bet on themselves and an infusion of youth.
Key Returnees For The Whitecaps
While the Whitecaps didn't add anyone of note, they also didn't lose anyone of note. Jonna Albers, Liz Schepers and Natalie Snodgrass return up front, as do Sydney Brodt and Denisa Krisoza. On the back end, Patti Marshall and Sydney Morin return as the top two. Perhaps the most notable returnee however is Amanda Leveille, consistently one of the PHF's top netminders the last seven years. She's provided Minnesota with consistency and proven she can steal the odd game. Having that stability in a league that saw a significant uptick in firepower is welcomed.
Key Departures From The Whitecaps
As mentioned above, there weren't a lot of notable absences from the Minnesota Whitecaps roster announcements. The main departure that could impact the Whitecaps is defender and assistant captain Sydney Baldwin, who was noticeably absent from their signing announcements. Baldwin was a two-time member of USA's U-18 national team, a two-time NCAA champion, captain of the University of Minnesota and four year veteran with the Whitecaps. Minnesota however brought in a pair of NCAA defenders who will be counted on, and are capable of, filling this void.
Whitecaps Rookies Watch
Minnesota's rookie class didn't get as much hype as some in the PHF, but they signed several solid NCAA players, many who will become immediate contributors in the league. On the blueline, Maggie Flaherty and Madison Bizal will step into the top six and look to continue being the impact players they were in the NCAA. Up front, Catie Skaja, Abigail Boreen, Paetyn Levis, Claire Butorac, and Brooke Bryant add two-way depth to the Whitecaps attack. The duo of defenders will have the biggest opportunity to impact this roster, while Minnesota will look for one or two of their forwards to take top six roles.