The Professional Women's Hockey League's Minnesota Frost announced Tuesday that it has re‑signed two of its cornerstone players, reinforcing the team's blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent.
Olympic pedigree meets professional ambition
Lee Stecklein, a four‑time Olympic gold‑medalist and one of the most respected shutdown defenders in women's hockey, will return for a fourth season with the Frost. The Roseville native, a two‑time Walter Cup champion, signed a two‑year agreement that keeps his defensive presence anchored at the blue line.
Grace Zumwinkle, a two‑time Olympian who earned the league's 2024 Rookie of the Year honors, inked a three‑year contract after a breakout season in which she tied for fifth in the PWHL with 13 goals and 23 points. The forward, who has spent three years in Minnesota, brings a dynamic offensive spark that the Frost hopes to build around.
Strategic additions for a growing franchise
Both signings coincide with the league's expansion protected‑list process, a move that secures key talent for the Frost as the PWHL prepares to add new markets. By retaining Stecklein and Zumwinkle, Minnesota not only preserves continuity but also signals a commitment to competitive stability as the league widens its footprint across the United States.
The moves underscore the growing appeal of the PWHL for elite American talent. With the league's profile rising and its roster deepening, players like Stecklein and Zumwinkle see a future where sustained investment in women's professional hockey translates into lasting success on and off the ice.