Minnesota inks Coyne Schofield, Pannek, Stecklein to 3-year deals
The PWHL's Minnesota franchise made its first three signings in team history on Wednesday by adding defenseman Lee Stecklein and forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Kelly Pannek on three-year deals.
"With the signing of three of the top players in the world, Minnesota cements its foundation as a team built on excellence," general manager Natalie Darwitz said in a statement. "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."
All three players have experience representing the United States on the international stage and the trio helped the country capture gold at the 2018 Winter Games.
Stecklein, 29, suited up for the NWHL/PHF's Minnesota Whitecaps during the 2018-19 season and scored in overtime to win the Isobel Cup in the franchise's inaugural campaign. She's the PWHPA's reigning Defender of the Year after leading all blue-liners with 15 points in 20 games.
A Minnesota native, Stecklein has been a facet of Team USA since 2011 and has amassed a combined six goals and 25 points in 63 games at the Olympics and IIHF Women's World Championship.
"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," she said. "Thank you to the women who stood united over these years and those who worked daily to make this league a reality!"
Coyne Schofield has served as Team USA's captain since 2019. Known for her speed, she took part in the fastest skater competition at the 2019 NHL All-Star Game and stole the show with a blistering lap of 14.346, finishing less than one second behind Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, who is largely hailed as the fastest skater in the world.
She was a founder of the PWHPA and Darwitz hailed the 31-year-old as a "catalyst" for the creation of the new league.
“Signing this contract is a reflection of so many people who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. ... This is monumental and it is only the beginning," Coyne Schofield said.
Pannek, 27, honed her craft at the University of Minnesota, totaling 72 goals and 186 points in 157 games over four seasons. Her best statistical campaign came in 2016-17 when she posted 62 points in 39 outings. She went on to join the PWHPA after graduation.
"I could not be more excited to be a part of this new era of women's professional hockey in Minnesota," Pannek said. "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."
More good news is coming for Minnesota, who also owns the first overall pick in the upcoming draft on Sept. 18.