Lee Stecklein discusses Minnesota as a women's hockey state after signing with PWHL Minnesota One of the best defenders in USA Hockey history has stepped away from the program. Lee Stecklein, 29, has chosen to leave USA Hockey's national team program. Stecklein has won six World Championship gold medals, an Olympic gold medal, a U-18 World Championship gold medal, two Olympic and two World Championship silver medals, and a U-18 World Championship silver medal representing Team USA. Stecklein played her first game for USA's U-18 team in 2011, and played her final for USA's senior national team winning gold at the 2023 World Championships in Brampton, Ontario. In 2021 Stecklein was named the World Championship's Best Defender and a tournament All-Star. Away from USA Hockey, this season Stecklein is set to play for PWHL Minnesota signing a three-year contract [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/stecklein-coyne-schofield-pannek-signs-with-minnesota] with the team prior to the draft. Stecklein was named PWHPA Best Defender last season playing for the Secret Cup champion. Prior to the PWHPA Stecklein spent a season in the NWHL winning an Isobel Cup title, while being named playoff MVP with the Minnesota Whitecaps. The Roseville, Minnesota product won three NCAA national championships with the University of Minnesota, who she captained in her final two seasons.
