Stay up to date on all official signings as Minnesota builds its roster for the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
Minnesota currently has 18 players under contract including forwards Sydney Brodt, Brooke Bryant, Claire Butorac, Michela Cava, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Clair DeGeorge, Brittyn Fleming, Taylor Heise, Denisa Křížová, Sophia Kunin, Kelly Pannek, Liz Schepers, Susanna Tapani, Grace Zumwinkle, defenders Natalie Buchbinder, Maggie Flaherty, Lee Stecklein, and goaltender Nicole Hensley.
DEC. 7: MICHELA CAVA (F) – ROUND 12, 72ND OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Cava was named MVP of the PHF’s 2023 Isobel Cup Playoffs for scoring six points in four games as a championship member of the Toronto Six. In regular season play, the 29-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario tallied 21 points in 24 games. She split 2021-22 between Toronto and the KRS Vanke Rays where she won a championship and led the Russian league in playoff scoring. Her pro experience also includes four SDHL seasons between 2017-21 and one CWHL campaign in 2016-17. Collegiately, she spent two years at the University of Connecticut followed by two years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
“Michela Cava joins us with wealth of international experience growing up playing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, four years of NCAA as well as seven years professionally in Canada, Sweden, and Russia. She is a fast, crafty offensive forward and Team Minnesota is looking forward to her contribution to the team!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I’m very excited to be joining PWHL Minnesota. I can’t wait to get the season started.” – Michela Cava
DEC. 7: CLAIR DEGEORGE (F) – ROUND 6, 36TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
DeGeorge has been a part of two straight championship teams, including Team Harvey’s that won the PWHPA title in 2023, and The Ohio State University crowned Frozen Four winners in 2022. That season, she produced a NCAA career-high 46 points in 38 games for the Buckeyes and was named an OSU Scholar Athlete. Her collegiate tenure also included four years at Bemidji State University, serving the 2020-21 campaign as captain. The 24-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska won gold with Team USA at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and competed in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 Rivalry Series.
“Clair DeGeorge is a skilled power forward who can set up plays as well as put puck in the net. She played for four years at Bemidji State University and had a break-out season at Ohio State as a fifth-year senior, scoring 16 goals and accumulating 30 assists for a total of 46 points. Team Minnesota welcomes Clair!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am honored to be playing with PWHL Minnesota! The Great State of Hockey is well known for their dedication to the sport; a passion that our team, coaches, and staff have been emulating as we prepare for Game 1.” – Clair DeGeorge
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DEC. 1: DENISA KŘIŽOVÁ (F) – ROUND 8, 48TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Křížová tallied five goals and four assists for nine points in 24 games with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps in 2022-23 and was named the team’s Foundation Award recipient for her commitment to growing and improving hockey culture and her community. The Northeastern University graduate also played the 2018-19 campaign with the PHF’s Boston Pride followed by three SDHL seasons. The 29-year-old from Czechia has represented her country seven times at IIHF Women’s World Championships winning back-to-back bronze medals and leading the team in scoring at the 2023 tournament.
“Czechia native Denisa Křížová is an exciting addition to Team Minnesota! In addition to her successful career at Northeastern University as a playmaking and scoring forward, Denisa has extensive experience at the international elite level. We welcome Denisa to Team Minnesota!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I love the hockey culture in Minnesota, I love the culture of this team and what the staff is building here, and I know we’re going to be fighting for a championship this season. I’m excited to be here for the next two years as we continue to push this sport forward!” – Denisa Křížová
DEC. 1: BRITTYN FLEMING (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Fleming notched nine points in 24 games as a rookie with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps during the 2022-23 season and added a pair of goals in three playoff contests. Her performance secured an invite to USA Hockey’s 2023 National Festival in August. The 24-year-old from Oregon, Wisconsin is a graduate of Minnesota State University where she played five seasons including four with fellow free agent signees Brooke Bryant and Claire Butorac. She left the Mavericks program with the most career games played (161) and the all-time leader in points (145).
“We are pleased to announce that Minnesota State University Mankato graduate Brittyn Fleming has signed with Team Minnesota. Brittyn set a number of records for the Mavericks, and we are looking forward to her contributing to the team.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am absolutely filled with gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing hockey for the PWHL in Minnesota. Minnesota has some of the best hockey fans in the country and to play alongside some of the greatest players in the world, is such an honor!” – Brittyn Fleming
DEC. 1: SOPHIA KUNIN (F) – ROUND 10, 60TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Kunin has spent the past four seasons competing as a member of the PWHPA, most recently recording nine points in 20 games and winning a championship with Team Harvey’s during the 2022-23 campaign. In 2022, she was one of four women to participate in the ECHL All-Star Classic. The 26-year-old from Wayzata, Minnesota capped her four-year NCAA career at the University of Wisconsin with a 2019 National Championship where she was among the team’s captains and scored the game-winner in the title game. In 2015, she won gold with Team USA at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
“Sophia Kunin, a captain of the 2019 Wisconsin Badgers NCAA champions, is a welcome addition to Team Minnesota! Sophia is a team-first player with speed and skill who also has the versatility to play a number of roles.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I feel extremely grateful to be able to play in my hometown, the State of Hockey, and I can’t wait to get the season started with our amazing group of players, coaches, and staff.” – Sophia Kunin
NOV. 30: CLAIRE BUTORAC (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Butorac is a recent graduate of Minnesota State University where she spent the last five NCAA seasons competing as a member of the Mavericks alongside fellow free agent signee Brooke Bryant. She scored 56 points in 153 career games, highlighted by a 23-point campaign in 2022-23 that ranked second on the team while wearing the captain’s ‘C’. The 24-year-old from Andover, Minnesota got a small taste of pro exhibition action at season’s end with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During high school, she was a three-time letter winner in lacrosse.
“Team Minnesota welcomes Claire Butorac to the roster as a strong defensive minded forward who can also make plays. The Andover, Minnesota native had a successful five years at Mankato State University, and we look forward to having her on our roster.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am so grateful to have the chance to continue my career in Minnesota. Having the opportunity to learn from and share the ice with such a talented group of people is a great experience. I couldn’t be more excited to get the season started.” – Claire Butorac
NOV. 30: LIZ SCHEPERS (F) – ROUND 15, 85TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Schepers scored six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 22 games during her first professional season with the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps in 2022-23. She also made her debut with the U.S. National Women’s Team, competing in the 2022-23 Rivalry Series. The 24-year-old from Mound, Minnesota previously spent five seasons at The Ohio State University where she captained the Buckeyes to their first NCAA National Championship in 2022. That season, she recorded a career-high 48 points in 38 games and earned a fourth-straight WCHA All-Academic Team honor.
“Team Minnesota is pleased to announce the signing of former Ohio State Buckeye standout Liz Schepers. She is a fast playmaking forward and we look forward to her contribution!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I couldn’t be more excited to sign with PWHL Minnesota. It is an honor to represent the state of hockey and I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside the best players in the world.” – Liz Schepers
NOV. 29: SYDNEY BRODT (F) – ROUND 13, 73RD OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Brodt captained the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps during the 2022-23 campaign and recorded nine points in 21 regular season games. She was also one of four women to compete in the ECHL All-Star Classic and scored the winning goal. The 25-year-old from North Oaks, Minnesota accumulated two more years of professional experience after college, counting 2021-22 in the SDHL and 2020-21 with the PWHPA, and also won gold with Team USA at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, she was one of only two Bulldogs ever to serve as captain for three seasons.
“Sydney brings a high intensity style of play with her speed and quickness. She had an outstanding career with the UMD Bulldogs and gained valuable experience with USA Hockey, as well as with the Whitecaps and in Sweden. We are excited to have Sydney as a part of Team Minnesota.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I couldn’t be more excited to play for Minnesota! It’s a huge honor to represent my home state and get the opportunity to compete in this league. I’m looking forward to building something special with our team this season.” – Sydney Brodt
NOV. 29: BROOKE BRYANT (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bryant spent the last five seasons competing as a member of the Minnesota State University Mavericks where she was a four-time WCHA All-Academic Team honoree. She made quite the impression during her freshman year by leading the team with 11 goals and finishing tied for second with 20 points. She matched her career-high of 20 points during the 2022-23 campaign, notching seven goals and 13 assists in 36 games played. The 23-year-old hails from Linden, California and is a product of the Anaheim Lady Ducks U19 team and a four-time Linden High School letter winner in volleyball and softball.
“Californian Brooke Bryant plays a solid disciplined defensive style of play. She emerged in camp as someone who works hard and competes every day. She’s a great addition to our roster.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play for Minnesota. Getting to play with, and against, the best players in the world is something I truly look forward to!” – Brooke Bryant
NOV. 27: NATALIE BUCHBINDER (D) – ROUND 7, 37TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Buchbinder served as an alternate captain for the 2023 NCAA Champion University of Wisconsin Badgers but was limited to just 24 games before suffering a season-ending injury. On the ice in 2022-23, she recorded 15 assists with a plus-24 rating and 24 shot blocks. The 24-year-old from Fairport, New York was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and member of the 2021 and 2019 National Championship squads. Internationally, she earned a spot on the U.S. National Women’s Team that won silver at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship and was most recently named to the 2023-24 Rivalry Series squad.
“Natalie is a solid defensive minded player who is also an excellent playmaker. She was a member of the 2019 National Champion Wisconsin Badgers, as well as a member of the USA U18 and USA Rivalry Teams. We are looking forward to Natalie continuing her success with Team Minnesota!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I’m so grateful and excited to be a member of the PWHL Minnesota organization. I’m looking forward to playing in such an amazing hockey market, and to continue working with these great players and staff!” – Natalie Buchbinder
NOV. 29: SYDNEY BRODT (F) – ROUND 15, 85TH OVERALL (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Brodt captained the PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps during the 2022-23 campaign and recorded nine points in 21 regular season games. She was also one of four women to compete in the ECHL All-Star Classic and scored the winning goal. The 25-year-old from North Oaks, Minnesota accumulated two more years of professional experience after college, counting 2021-22 in the SDHL and 2020-21 with the PWHPA, and also won gold with Team USA at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, she was one of only two Bulldogs ever to serve as captain for three seasons.
“Sydney brings a high intensity style of play with her speed and quickness. She had an outstanding career with the UMD Bulldogs and gained valuable experience with USA Hockey, as well as with the Whitecaps and in Sweden. We are excited to have Sydney as a part of Team Minnesota.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I couldn’t be more excited to play for Minnesota! It’s a huge honor to represent my home state and get the opportunity to compete in this league. I’m looking forward to building something special with our team this season.” – Sydney Brodt
NOV. 29: BROOKE BRYANT (F) – FREE AGENT (SIGNED 1-YEAR CONTRACT)
Bryant spent the last five seasons competing as a member of the Minnesota State University Mavericks where she was a four-time WCHA All-Academic Team honoree. She made quite the impression during her freshman year by leading the team with 11 goals and finishing tied for second with 20 points. She matched her career-high of 20 points during the 2022-23 campaign, notching seven goals and 13 assists in 36 games played. The 23-year-old hails from Linden, California and is a product of the Anaheim Lady Ducks U19 team and a four-time Linden High School letter winner in volleyball and softball.
“Californian Brooke Bryant plays a solid disciplined defensive style of play. She emerged in camp as someone who works hard and competes every day. She’s a great addition to our roster.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play for Minnesota. Getting to play with, and against, the best players in the world is something I truly look forward to!” – Brooke Bryant
NOV. 27: NATALIE BUCHBINDER (D) – ROUND 7, 37TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Buchbinder served as an alternate captain for the 2023 NCAA Champion University of Wisconsin Badgers but was limited to just 24 games before suffering a season-ending injury. On the ice in 2022-23, she recorded 15 assists with a plus-24 rating and 24 shot blocks. The 24-year-old from Fairport, New York was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and member of the 2021 and 2019 National Championship squads. Internationally, she earned a spot on the U.S. National Women’s Team that won silver at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship and was most recently named to the 2023-24 Rivalry Series squad.
“Natalie is a solid defensive minded player who is also an excellent playmaker. She was a member of the 2019 National Champion Wisconsin Badgers, as well as a member of the USA U18 and USA Rivalry Teams. We are looking forward to Natalie continuing her success with Team Minnesota!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I’m so grateful and excited to be a member of the PWHL Minnesota organization. I’m looking forward to playing in such an amazing hockey market, and to continue working with these great players and staff!” – Natalie Buchbinder
NOV. 20: MAGGIE FLAHERTY (D) – ROUND 4, 24TH OVERALL (SIGNED 2-YEAR CONTRACT)
Flaherty turns pro after five seasons on the blue line at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where she recorded 77 points in 153 games. The 23-year-old from Lakeville, Minnesota tallied a career-high 25 points, including nine goals in 39 games during the 2022-23 campaign, while skating to a plus-32 rating and blocking 50 shots. This performance earned her Third Team All-WCHA honors. In 2018, she won a gold medal representing the United States at the 2018 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship competing alongside fellow signee, Taylor Heise.
“Maggie is coming to us from the UMD Bulldogs where she had a stellar 25-point senior season. She has represented Team USA in U18 World Championship games and will bring international level experience for us. She is an offensive minded defender who will fit well in our playing style.” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am very excited about staying in my home state and getting to play near my family and friends. I can’t wait to get the season going and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play for Team Minnesota in the state of hockey.” – Maggie Flaherty
NOV. 1: GRACE ZUMWINKLE (F) – ROUND 3, 13TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Zumwinkle is another member of the University of Minnesota’s 2023 graduating class to sign with her home state team, joining fellow Golden Gophers co-captain Taylor Heise. During the 2022-23 campaign, the 24-year-old from Excelsior, Minnesota set a career-high with 61 points in 39 games and was a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist for the second time in her NCAA career. Internationally, she’s a 2022 Olympian who earned silver at the Beijing games, and also competed with Team USA at the 2021 and 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championships bringing home a pair of silver medals.
“We welcome the very familiar Minnesota hockey family name Zumwinkle, to Team Minnesota, more specifically, Grace Zumwinkle! Grace is the quintessential team player as she leads both on and off the ice. She is a very talented forward and excels both offensively and defensively. She has been a force at every level she has competed at and still has tremendous potential as she is an elite level athlete. We are thrilled to have her in a Team Minnesota uniform!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I am super excited to sign with PWHL Minnesota. Ever since I was a young girl it has been a dream of mine to continue to play hockey professionally and it’s a huge honor to continue to do so in my home state and The State of Hockey.” – Grace Zumwinkle
OCT. 31: NICOLE HENSLEY (G) – ROUND 2, 12TH OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Hensley was the first goaltender selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft and brings a wealth of experience between-the-pipes with the U.S. National Women’s Team. Her international success includes Olympic gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, plus five medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship counting three gold and two silver. The 29-year-old from Lakewood, Colorado played collegiately at Lindenwood University, followed by four professional seasons around her Olympic centralization including the PHF’s Buffalo Beauts in 2018-19 and PWHPA from 2019-21 and 2022-23.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Nicole Hensley to Team Minnesota! Nicole has a very athletic style of goaltending that manifests in her aggressive approach to tracking the puck, challenging the shooter, and therefore stopping the puck. Nicole’s high compete level has resulted in her excelling at every level she has played and becoming a premier goaltender and we are excited to have her as part of our team!” – Charlie Burggraf, Head Coach
“I’m very excited to sign with the PWHL Minnesota team and looking forward to getting to training camp and getting to work with our whole group. Minnesota has great sports fans, and I can’t wait to play in front of them!” – Nicole Hensley
OCT. 26: TAYLOR HEISE (F) – ROUND 1, 1ST OVERALL (SIGNED 3-YEAR CONTRACT)
Heise turns pro after an illustrious collegiate career at the University of Minnesota where she recorded over 200 points in five seasons and set a program record for most games played. The 2022 Patty Kazmaier Award recipient was also a top-10 finalist for the honor in 2023, serving as Golden Gophers captain and earning notable recognitions that include First Team All-American, All-USCHO First Team, and WCHA Forward of the Year. On the international stage, the 23-year-old from Lake City, MN won a gold medal with the U.S. National Women’s Team at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, and silver in 2022 where she was named a tournament All-Star, Best Forward, and MVP.
“Minnesota is thrilled to announce the signing of the number one overall draft pick, Minnesota native, Taylor Heise! We are elated to keep Taylor in the State of Hockey where she has already had a tremendous impact on the game. Taylor is one of the brightest stars in today’s game. Her excellence shines on the ice where her skills are immediately apparent, and in the community where she is an inspiration to young hockey players.” – Natalie Darwitz, General Manager
“I am beyond honored to be a part of this program and cannot wait to get started here in Minnesota with this amazing team in front of the best fans!” – Taylor Heise
SEPT. 6: KENDALL COYNE SCHOFIELD (F), KELLY PANNEK (F), LEE STECKLEIN (D)
Final team rosters must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts. Salary terms will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.