In a thrilling conclusion to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)’s inaugural season, the Minnesota Whitecaps skated away with the Walter Cup after defeating the Boston Pride 3-0 in the winner-take-all Game 5. Kendall Coyne Schofield, a three-time Olympian and advocate for women’s hockey, sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Minnesota overcame adversity, including a five-game losing streak entering the playoffs and a blown overtime goal in Game 4, to capture the championship. Despite falling short, the Boston Pride and goalie Aerin Frankel earned the respect of the sold-out crowd at the Tsongas Center with their strong performance throughout the playoffs. The PWHL made significant strides in its first year, attracting large crowds and increasing the visibility of women’s hockey. However, challenges remain, including limited national broadcasting in the United States and the need for team nicknames. As the league looks ahead to its second season, the success of the inaugural campaign provides a solid foundation for continued growth and development of women’s professional hockey.
