Minnesota has secured the distinction of being crowned the inaugural champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League by notching a 3-0 victory over Boston in the fifth game of the series. This exceptional triumph represents a momentous milestone for the team, with goals tallied by Liz Schepers, Michela Cava, and team captain Kendall Coyne Schofield. Taylor Heise’s outstanding performance in the playoffs earned her the well-deserved title of playoff MVP, having scored a total of five goals.
Schofield expressed profound gratitude to every member of the team, recognizing the collective effort that led to their victory. Despite facing uncertainty during a challenging five-game stretch leading up to the playoffs, Minnesota exhibited unwavering resilience and determination to emerge victorious.
The coveted Walter Cup, emblematic of their remarkable achievement, was presented to the team by esteemed tennis legend and founding advisory board member of the league, Billie Jean King. This historic occasion undoubtedly cements Minnesota’s position as pioneers in women’s professional hockey.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League currently comprises six teams, each representing their respective cities – Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto. Notably, these teams are all owned by the Mark Walter Group, whose esteemed namesake is the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and holds a stake in Chelsea FC, a prominent soccer team in the English Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, the PWHL has garnered extensive interest and set new records, including the highest attendance at a women’s hockey game. As reported by Hailey Salvian from The Athletic in an interview with NPR, the league’s profound impact on the sports industry has been widely recognized, highlighting its significance in the landscape of professional women’s hockey.
Minnesota’s extraordinary achievement stands as a testament to the sheer talent, dedication, and perseverance of the players and the league as a whole. As the Professional Women’s Hockey League continues to make strides in the realm of professional sports, it is evident that its impact will resonate for generations to come.