University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Nine Gopher Alumnae Named to PWHL Opening Day Rosters
11/29/2024 3:30:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - The second season of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will begin this weekend, and nine former Gophers (including reserve) are on rosters spanning four out of the league's six teams.
The reigning Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost (formerly PWHL Minnesota) tally the most with five former Gophers on roster or reserve to start the season.
Taylor Heise, Kelly Pannek, and Grace Zumwinkle all return as forwards for the Frost, with Pannek designated as an assistant captain for the second-straight year. Zumwinkle returns as reigning PWHL Rookie of the Year. She also notched PWHL Second All-Star and All-Rookie Team honors last season. Heise returns as reigning playoff MVP during Minnesota's championship run.
At the blue line, Lee Stecklein returns to the Frost, with the former Maroon & Gold defender also returning as an assistant captain. In net, Lucy Morgan will start her PWHL career as a reserve. Morgan notched a 15-3 record in her lone season with the Gophers, notching a .931 save percentage.
The Boston Fleet (formerly PWHL Boston) roster two former Gophers, forward Hannah Brandt and defender Emily Brown. Both Brandt and Brown return to Boston after helping the team to a Walter Cup appearance last season.
Victoire de Montréal (formerly PWHL Montreal) and the Toronto Sceptres (formerly PWHL Toronto) each have one former Gopher on their team.
Abigail Boreen joins Montreal after being selected by the team in round three of the 2024 PWHL Draft. Last season, Boreen made her PWHL debut with Minnesota, joining the roster for nine games en route to capturing the inaugural Walter Cup.
Olivia Knowles rejoins the Sceptres as a reserve after helping Toronto secure a place in the PWHL playoffs last season. The former Gopher defender tallied one assist with Toronto in 2024.
Gophers on PWHL Opening Day Rosters:
Boston Fleet
Hannah Brandt
Emily Brown
Minnesota Frost
Taylor Heise
Lucy Morgan (reserve)
Kelly Pannek
Lee Stecklein
Grace Zumwinkle
Victoire de Montréal
Abigail Boreen
Toronto Sceptres
Olivia Knowles (reserve)