Still Celebrating
Because of course we are. Meet a rookie, heroes, reveling in the Cup, Walter mountain high, a bubbly welcome from a former Frosty, rematch with Ottawa, more expansion, a Zumwinkle fan, and more.
The best part about winning is reveling in that championship for the entire off-season. You can support Frozen Friday by upgrading to paid or giving a one-time tip. Thanks! -Kevin D. Hendricks
Standings: Walter Cup Champions!
1. Meet a Rookie: Abby Hustler
The Frost’s second round pick is forward Abby Hustler from St. Lawrence University—she signed a two-year deal this week. She’s also generating news back home. Here’s Hustler from the draft class press conference:
On being drafted: “It feels amazing. Obviously going to Minnesota, they're a pronounced franchise with amazing players and amazing coaching staff and there's a reason they've won two years in a row. so just super excited to join them.”
On Mae Batherson connection: “Me and May are close buddies and I always send her a text here and there and she said nothing but good things. She made a little joke about possibly joining the Frost and I didn't really think too much into it, but yeah it's super amazing.”
On being the first player from Prince Edward Island: “The kids back home, they have something to look for now. They have someone to lead the way for them and, not saying they have to follow my path, but for someone to open the gate like that, I think it gives them a lot of opportunity to seek out their dreams and fulfill the passion they have for hockey.”
2. Investing in Women’s Sports
Frost Captain Kendall Coyne Schofield attended the Power of Women’s Sports Summit, hanging out with Billie Jean King and Malala Yousafzai. The event’s news included Malala launching Recess, an investment platform for women’s sports:
“We’re aiming to fundamentally alter ownership in the women’s sports industry, from the field to the owner’s box, while simultaneously seeking to advance gender equity,” said Malala.
3. Forging Frost: Walter Cup
The Frost rolled out the first of what looks to be an off-season video series. Episode one focuses on the Walter Cup and features St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter:
“I have a team in city hall and I know that this team is far more than the six people who are on the ice at any one point in time. This team includes all of us making noise, all of us showing what an incredible place this building can be for everybody except the other six players on the ice.”
4. Where’s Walter?
Colorado native Nicole Hensley took the Walter Cup to Pikes Peak. And yes, she brought the champagne. She hoisted the Cup, ate a donut out of Walter, and shared a drink. Plus did a podcast with Guerilla Sports.
5. Former Frosty: The Bubbly Welcome
Yeah, it’s still painful to lose Claire Thompson, but her bubbly welcome of Vancouver’s first draft pick is just so heartwarming.
6. PWHL Classic:
Feel like a Walter Cup final rematch (or “pre-match”)? Go back to 2024 and the first matchup between Minnesota and Ottawa. The game features Minnesota’s first ever power play goal and jailbreak goal, plus some great net action with incredible goal tending on both ends helped out by a few shots to the pipe.
7. League Business:
More expansion is on the horizon. According to an AP story, a decision on the next expansion step will come mid-season next year. And it could eventually include Europe!?
“Our manifest destiny is a lot more than six. It’s a lot more than eight. I don’t know how many. My point is, we’re going to be a league like every other real major league, and that’s our goal. ... We’re going to be spread—our footprint will be across this continent and hopefully others as well.” -PWHL Advisory board member Stan Kasten
8. Fan Signs:
9. Fan Fare:
Can’t go wrong with these Minnesota-shaped earrings in Frost colors made of Lego bricks by kids Marley and Henry.
Next game: See you next season!