The Minnesota Frost have secured the services of captain Kendall Coyne Schofield for another two years, dispelling any doubts about the 34-year-old possibly taking time off following her role in the United States’ Olympic gold medal victory in February. This re-signing ensures the Frost will maintain their seasoned leadership core as they head into their fourth season, having retained key figures since clinching back-to-back Walter Cup titles in 2024 and ’25. Alongside alternate captains Lee Stecklein and Kelly Pannek, Coyne Schofield expressed eagerness about the upcoming seasons, aiming to reclaim the Walter Cup for Minnesota through hard work.
Hailing from the Chicago area, Coyne Schofield boasts an impressive resume as a four-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of the PWHL during negotiations in the summer of 2023. Despite missing several games last season due to an upper-body injury sustained at the Milan-Cortina Games, Coyne Schofield still managed to contribute significantly, tallying 12 goals and 23 points in 23 games. Her career totals of 63 points (30 goals, 33 assists) in 77 PWHL appearances rank her third in the league’s all-time records.
Initially among the Frost’s foundational player signings, Coyne Schofield’s future with the team was uncertain as she remained unsigned, leaving her vulnerable during the PWHL’s expansion process in June. With this new contract, the Frost have now locked in 17 players, including eight members from their championship-winning squads. Despite finishing third in the previous season’s standings, the Frost fell short in a decisive Game 5 of the semifinals against eventual champions Montreal.
