TORONTO, ON (September 6, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Minnesota franchise are forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek, and defender Lee Stecklein. The trio of U.S. Olympians have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“With the signing of three of the top players in the world, Minnesota cements its foundation as a team built on excellence,” said Natalie Darwitz, General Manager of PWHL Minnesota.
“Kendall, Lee, and Kelly’s world-class hockey skills and leadership qualities embody the level of excellence that the culture of Minnesota will be built on. We are thrilled they are the first three players to join Minnesota as we build a championship team.”
Natalie Darwitz GM PWHL Minnesota
Kendall Coyne Schofield
Joins PWHL Minnesota as one of hockey’s all-time great leaders, both on and off the ice. The speedy forward has served as Team USA’s captain since 2019 and representing her country has compiled three Olympic medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver), nine IIHF Women’s World Championship medals (6 Gold, 3 Silver), and several additional IIHF medals at the senior, U22, and U18 level.
The 31-year-old native of Palos Heights, IL had a prolific NCAA career at Northeastern University where she notably won the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award as a senior and Huskies’ captain in 2016 after being a top-10 finalist in 2013 and 2015.
Coyne Schofield played one season with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps in 2018-19 and won the Isobel Cup.
She became a founder of the PWHPA and played three seasons from 2019-21 and 2022-23 and served as President from 2019-23 leading into the formation of the PWHLPA.
“Signing this contract is a reflection of so many people who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality,” said Coyne Schofield.
“I’d like to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter and Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss for embracing this endeavor and building a league alongside the vision of the players. This is monumental, and it is only the beginning.”
Kendall Coyne Schofield
“Minnesota is elated to welcome Kendall to the team,” said Darwitz.
“Kendall is one of the premier faces of women’s hockey and was a catalyst for the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Kendall has already distinguished herself as a highly accomplished player and will have a tremendous impact on the team. She is a speedy, energetic, and dynamic two-way forward. We warmly welcome Kendall and her family to Minnesota!”
Kelly Pannek
Hails from Plymouth, MN and joins her home-state PWHL Minnesota team.
She is a two-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and five-time World Championship medalist (3 Gold, 2 Silver) with Team USA, and has experience donning the red, white, and blue sweater at the U18 and U22 level where she helped her team achieve podium finishes.
The 27-year-old played her NCAA career at the University of Minnesota from 2014-17 and returned for a senior season in 2018-19 following the 2018 Winter Olympics. Along with back-to-back National Championships (2015, 2016), Pannek led the nation in scoring and was a First-Team All-American and a Patty Kazmaier Award top-10 finalist in 2016-17.
She joined the PWHPA upon graduation and played the 2019-21 seasons and the 2022-23 campaign after the 2022 Olympic break.
“I could not be more excited to be a part of this new era of women’s professional hockey in Minnesota,” said Pannek. “I have always taken great pride in representing the State of Hockey throughout every stage of my career, and to do it now as a pro is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to work as a part of this organization to hopefully bring home more trophies to Minnesota!”
Kelly Pannek
Lee Stecklein
She is no stranger to the State of Hockey as a Roseville, MN native who played with Pannek at the University of Minnesota and with Coyne Schofield on the Minnesota Whitecaps over the course of her career.
A fixture on the Team USA blue line since joining the U18 program in 2010, the 29-year-old is a three-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 2 Silver) and eight-time World Championship medalist (6 Gold, 2 Silver), and has collected hardware in several other international tournaments.
Stecklein’s collegiate career featured three National Championships and two seasons as Golden Gophers captain as a junior and a senior.
As a member of the PHF’s expansion Whitecaps, she famously scored the overtime goal to secure an Isobel Cup title.
Stecklein then played in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and, upon her return from the 2022 Olympic break, won the Top Defender award in the 2022-23 season.
“I am honored to be part of the first wave of players to sign officially with the PWHL, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue my career in Minnesota,” said Stecklein. “Thank you to the women who stood united over these years and those who worked daily to make this league a reality!”
Lee Stecklein
“Minnesota extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Lee,” said Darwitz. “Lee is a two-way, highly respected defender whose experience and skill set will be a great addition to the team. Lee’s positive influence extends from the locker room to throughout the Minnesota hockey community. We are fortunate to sign a player of Lee’s caliber to our team.”
The PWHL player selection process officially opened on September 1 with an initial free agency period that continues through Sept. 10. Teams are permitted to sign three players to Standard Player Agreements during this time. The 2023 PWHL Draft is scheduled for Sept. 18 where Minnesota holds the first overall pick.
TORONTO, ON (September 6, 2023) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the first three players to sign free agent contracts with the league’s Toronto franchise are defender Renata Fast, and forwards Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull. The trio of Canadian Olympians have all agreed to terms on three-year deals for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 PWHL seasons. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.
“We are beyond excited and proud of the three foundation players we have signed,” said Gina Kingsbury, General Manager of PWHL Toronto.
“For us, it was all about them as a group, building a puzzle that we knew would work well together and give us the best foundation to our team’s success. When I think of the qualities of this group, I think of character, leadership, and talent. A combination we believe we can build upon in the draft and for years to come.”
Gina Kingsbury GM PWHL Toronto
Renata Fast
Joins PWHL Toronto as a proven star to anchor its defensive core.
Born and raised in nearby Burlington, ON, the 28-year-old has earned a wide variety of success throughout her career at all levels.
Fast debuted with Team Canada as part of the 2014 U22 team and developed into a two-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and five-time IIHF Women’s World Championship medalist (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze).
She played her NCAA hockey at Clarkson University and helped the Golden Knights win a National Championship in her sophomore year.
Upon graduating in 2016, Fast was selected second overall by the CWHL’s Toronto Furies where she turned pro and earned a Rookie of the Year nomination.
She played in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and, after centralizing with Team Canada for the 2022 Olympics, returned in 2022-23.
“It’s a true honour and a privilege to be a part of the PWHL’s foundation,” said Fast. “This historic moment is a testament to the dedication of those who paved the way before us. Growing up in Burlington, ON, I always dreamt of playing hockey professionally. Now, being part of the PWHL right here in the heart of Toronto, feels like a dream come true. I am looking forward to helping set a standard of excellence both on the ice and within our community to grow the game of hockey for everyone and continue Toronto’s legacy as one of the world’s preeminent hockey cities. I want to thank Mr. & Mrs. Walter, Billie Jean King & llana Kloss for believing in us and providing an opportunity to take our game to the next level.”
Renata Fast
“We are thrilled with the signing of Renata Fast,” said Kingsbury.
“Renata brings the whole package to our organization. She is arguably the best defenceman in the world, she is an incredibly dynamic athlete, and is one of the best teammates you can ask for. Renata is an incredible leader, she is selfless, highly competitive, and always has a team-first mentality. She will be a cornerstone of our team and organization for years to come. We are looking forward to Renata’s impact on our franchise and the Toronto community as a whole.”
SarahNurse
One of the most familiar faces in women’s hockey with a prolific list of accomplishments that includes breaking the single-tournament scoring record with an 18-point performance at the 2022 Olympics and gracing the cover of EA Sports NHL 23.
The 28-year-old from Hamilton, ON, signs with her nearly-hometown team as a two-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver) and a four-time IIHF World Championship medalist (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze).
She also won U18 gold before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin where she played four NCAA seasons as a Badger. Nurse went on to be selected second overall in the 2018 CWHL Draft by the Toronto Furies, and later played in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and 2022-23 and was officially named a Board member in 2020.
“I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter as one of the first-ever players signed to the PWHL and to bring professional women’s hockey to Toronto,” said Nurse.
“Growing up so close to the city and getting to watch so many professional teams thrive in the market, I have always seen Toronto as the mecca of hockey and pictured myself representing the city on a larger stage. It is surreal to finally have that dream come to life.
I know that Gina’s vision and experience, combined with the incredible skill Renata Fast and Blayre Turnbull bring to the table, we are already off to a great start. I look forward to building a culture of excellence as we show what the top talent in women’s hockey looks like. There is truly no place I would rather be!”
Sarah Nurse
“We are excited to bring Sarah Nurse to Toronto as a foundation player,” said Kingsbury.
“Sarah is a tremendous athlete who has proven herself to be one of the best athletes in the world. Her 2022 Olympic performance has demonstrated the impact she can have on a team. Sarah’s on-ice potential reach is unmatched, she brings offence to our lineup, and off the ice she is a wonderful person. She will have a great impact on the Toronto market.”
Blayre Turnbull
Makes her way to Toronto hailing from Stellarton, NS, with a renowned two-way game that will make an immediate impact.
The 30-year-old first represented Team Canada in 2010 and has become a two-time Olympic medalist (1 Gold, 1 Silver), and six-time World Championship medalist (2 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze) to go along with other international medals.
She played her NCAA hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers where she served as captain her senior season.
In 2015, Turnbull was drafted by the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno and won the Clarkson Cup twice in four seasons.
Following her time in the CWHL, Turnbull played in the PWHPA from 2019-21 and during the 2022-23 campaign where she finished top-six in overall scoring.
“I am extremely honoured to have been selected as one of the first players to sign a professional contract in the PWHL,” said Turnbull.
“To have the opportunity to be a part of a franchise in such a great sports city like Toronto is super exciting and I can’t wait to get started!”
Blayre Turnbull
“Blayre is one of the best two-way forwards in the women’s game,” said Kingsbury.
“She brings offence while making it very difficult to play against her. Blayre is one of the fiercest competitors in the game and is a key piece to the puzzle we are trying to build in Toronto. When I think of Blayre I think of character, leadership, and grit. Three ingredients our team in Toronto will be built around. We have no doubt Blayre will have a tremendous impact on our team’s identity.”
