University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gopher Alumnae Featured Across PWHL Training Camp Rosters
10/17/2025 5:19:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women's hockey program continues to leave its mark at the professional level, as twelve Gopher alumnae were named to final training camp rosters ahead of the 2025 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) opening of camps on Nov 7.
The 'U' is once again among the top college programs represented across the league, with former Gophers featured on seven of the eight PWHL rosters.
Leading the way for the hometown Minnesota Frost are four Gopher greats in Taylor Heise, Lee Stecklein, Grace Zumwinkle, and Kelly Pannek. These four former Gophers helped guide the Frost to last years' Walter Cup championship, with Stecklein, Zumwinkle, and Pannek earning their second consecutive title in the league's first two seasons.
Hannah Brandt and recent 2025 draft pick Ella Huber will skate with the Boston Fleet. Abigail Boreen and Emily Brown join the two new PWHL expansion franchises in Vancouver and Seattle, respectively.
Rounding out the list of Gophers in camp, Natalie Mlynkova — a 2025 PWHL Draft selection — will suit up for the Victoire in Montréal, while Peyton Hemp, also a 2025 draft pick, joins the Ottawa Charge. Savannah Norcross and camp invite Olivia Knowles will compete with the New York Sirens.
Altogether, the twelve Minnesota alumnae reflect the Gophers' continued impact on the professional game, building on the program's legacy of excellence and development at the highest levels of women's hockey.
PWHL Gophers on 2025 Final Training Camp Rosters
- Boston Fleet: Hannah Brandt, Ella Huber (2025 Draft)
-Â Minnesota Frost: Taylor Heise, Lee Stecklein, Grace Zumwinkle, Kelly Pannek
-Â Montréal Victoire: Natálie Mlýnková (2025 Draft)
-Â New York Sirens: Savannah Norcross, Olivia Knowles (Camp Invite)
- Ottawa Charge: Peyton Hemp (2025 Draft)
- PWHL Seattle: Emily Brown
- PWHL Vancouver: Abigail Boreen
The 2025 PWHL season will mark the league's third campaign, featuring an expanded field of eight teams and continued representation from some of collegiate hockey's most storied programs, with the Maroon & Gold well represented once again.