PWHL Minnesota sign Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek and Lee Stecklein

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced today that the Minnesota franchise has signed its first set of free agents. The club has signed forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek and defender Lee Stecklein to contracts.

The trio of Olympians 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.”

Schofield has served as Team USA’s captain since 2019, representing her country and winning three Olympic medals, one gold and two silver, nine IIHF Women’s World Championship medals and several additional IIHF medals at the senior, U22, and U18 levels. During her prolific NCAA career with Northeastern University, 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. 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 to 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.”

Pannek hails from Plymouth, Minnesota and joins her home state team as a two-time Olympic medalist and five-time World Champion. 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. She won back-to-back National Championships in 2015 and 2016 and led the nation in scoring, earning her a First Team All-American nod and a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist.

“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!”

Like Pannek, Stecklein is also a Minnesota product, having grown up in Roseville. She played with Pannek at the University of Minnesota and with Coyne Schofield on the Minnesota Whitecaps. The 29-year-old is a three-time Olympic medalist and eight-time World Champion. Her NCAA career with the Golden Gophers saw her capture three National Championships. As a member of the PHF’s expansion Whitecaps, she famously scored the overtime goal to secure an Isobel Cup title. 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!”