Minnesota made history in the PWHL championship by claiming their first-ever title with a 3-0 victory against Boston. Liz Schepers, a Minnesota-native, scored the championship-winning goal in the second period. Schepers had an impressive performance throughout the playoffs, accumulating 5 points in 10 games, with all five points being primary contributions.
Boston’s goalie, Aerin Frankel, put up a valiant effort by making 41 saves on 43 shots. However, her team struggled to generate offense, managing only 17 shots on goal and three in the third period. Minnesota’s strong defensive play limited Boston’s scoring opportunities to the perimeter. Nicole Hensley, Minnesota’s goaltender, faced fewer shots but remained solid, stopping all 17 shots she faced for her third victory and second shutout since becoming the starter in Game 2 of the series.
The best-of-five series was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. Minnesota initially thought they had won the championship on home ice at the Xcel Energy Center when Sophie Jaques scored a double-overtime goal. However, the goal was called back due to goaltender interference, forcing a fifth and final game. Alina Müller scored a dramatic goal to push the series to its limit, but Minnesota ultimately emerged victorious.
Taylor Heise was named the Ilana Kloss Playoffs MVP for her outstanding performances. She scored the series-winning goal in the semifinals and led the playoffs in goals and points. Minnesota’s journey to the championship was impressive as they entered the playoffs as the lowest seed (4) and had ended the regular season on a five-game losing streak. Despite falling behind 2-0 against Toronto in the first round, they rallied back to win three straight games and upset the top-ranked team in the league.
Kendall Coyne Schofield, who added an empty net goal in Game 5, became the first captain to hoist the Walter Cup, the 35-pound league trophy designed by luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. This achievement holds significance as Coyne Schofield played a crucial role in the creation of the PWHL. She was part of the player board for the PWHPA, the organization that paved the way for the league’s establishment. Six years ago, Coyne Schofield reached out to Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss for support, eventually involving Mark Walter, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and now an investor in the PWHL.
The involvement of King and Kloss as members of the league’s advisory board highlights their commitment to the success of women’s hockey. The regular season and playoff MVP trophies are named after them. Seeing Coyne Schofield lift the Walter Cup is a testament to the league’s growth and potential. King expressed her excitement, stating that it couldn’t be more perfect.
Minnesota’s championship victory is not only a significant achievement for the team but also for women’s hockey as a whole. The league’s growth and recognition, coupled with the dedication of influential figures like Coyne Schofield, King, and Kloss, contribute to the continued progress of women’s sports.