Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Nelson
St. Paul

Skates on: National women's pro hockey league expands to Minnesota

Minnesota Whitecaps goalie Julie Friend
Minnesota Whitecaps goalie Julie Friend defends against shots in a game against University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in February.
Courtesy of Minnesota Whitecaps

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The National Women's Hockey League said Tuesday it bought the Minnesota Whitecaps, making it the fifth team to join the league since its founding three years ago.

The league plans to kick off its fourth season in October and will likely play a 16-game schedule through March with eight home games. The team hasn't announced a home ice yet but are looking at the Tria center in downtown St. Paul, where the Wild currently have a practice rink, said NWHL spokesperson Chris Botta.

Minnesota Whitecaps announced as new team for NWHL
Minnesota Whitecaps captain Winny Brown, Gov. Mark Dayton, National Women's Hockey League founder Dani Rylan, Deputy Commission Hayley Moore and NWHL Goaltender of the Year and former Gophers hockey player Amanda Leveille announced the addition of the Minnesota Whitecaps to the league's roster at a press conference at Herbie's on the Park in downtown St. Paul on May 15, 2018.
Tim Nelson | MPR News

The new team will be initially owned by the league, like the founding four teams — Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, and Metropolitan Riveters — when the league started.

"Minnesota is an essential part of women's hockey in North America," league founder and commissioner Dani Rylan said in a statement. "When you consider all of the talented players in this area and the passion this community has for the game, the Whitecaps are going to be incredible on and off the ice."

The Whitecaps, which previously operated as an independent team, started skating in 2004. The team's alumni include Natalie Darwitz, Olympic gold medal Team USA member Hannah Brandt, Jocelyn Lamoureux-Davidson and others with Minnesota ties.

"The state of Minnesota produces many outstanding players, so it's awesome that those players can now compete professionally," Gigi Marvin, a Warroad, Minn., native who plays for the Boston Pride, said in a statement.