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3 Key Takeaways from the Minnesota Frost’s Overtime Loss to the New York Sirens
Dec
December 2, 2024 by Mariah E. Stark (Holland)
After a long offseason, the PWHL kicked off its second season on Saturday, Nov. 30, and the Minnesota Frost finally got their season underway on Sunday, Dec. 1, facing off against the New York Sirens at the Xcel Energy Center. The Frost celebrated their inaugural Walter Cup Championship with a banner-raising ceremony before the game. What followed was an exciting, fast-paced match that went into overtime, but unfortunately, the Frost fell 4-3. Let’s break down three key takeaways from this season opener for the Frost.
Frost Show Strong Early Signs
Despite the tough loss, the Minnesota Frost showed that they are still a formidable team. Coming off last season’s championship win, the team maintained the high level of play that made them so successful. They came out with intensity, dominating early with strong speed and excellent puck movement—traits that were key to their success in the previous season.
The line of Grace Zumwinkle, Kelly Pannek, and Britta Curl-Salemme wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard early, setting the tone for the game. The chemistry between them was evident, and they had several strong scoring chances throughout. Meanwhile, the veteran line of Taylor Heise, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, and Michela Cava showed that they hadn’t lost a step during the offseason. Even with a few new additions to the roster, the Frost’s chemistry was seamless, and their playmaking looked sharp.
Dominique Petrie also stepped up when needed, scoring a crucial goal late in the third period to tie the game. That moment injected momentum into the team, showing that they can remain competitive, even when things don’t go as planned. However, despite their efforts, the Frost couldn’t hold off the Sirens in overtime, and the game ended with a heartbreaking 4-3 scoreline.
Plenty of Positives for the Frost to Build On
While the loss was disappointing, there are many positives for the Minnesota Frost to take away from this game. The team demonstrated strong offensive play, with good puck movement, speed, and chemistry on all four lines. They’ve retained many of their key players from last season, and it’s clear that the core of the team remains strong.
Goaltender Nicole Hensley proved she’s still a top-tier netminder, doing all she could to keep her team in the game when the Sirens gained momentum. Despite the goal-scoring woes in overtime, the Frost’s ability to stay competitive and create opportunities shows that they have a solid foundation to build on moving forward. As head coach Ken Klee noted after the game, “When we outshoot teams two to one, I like our chances. It was a good point by us, and it was a good hockey game.” It’s clear the team is focused on making improvements and getting stronger as the season progresses.
Kendall Coyne-Schofield echoed this sentiment, noting that while the team struggled to match the Sirens’ push in the second period, they came out stronger in the third. “The good part is it’s game one, day one, and we get the opportunity to learn from tonight’s game,” Coyne-Schofield said, reflecting the Frost’s positive mindset moving forward.
Special Teams Still a Work in Progress
One area where the Frost will need to improve is their special teams, which were inconsistent throughout the game. The penalty kill, which had been an issue for the team last season, struggled once again. The Sirens capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity to score their first goal, a momentum-shifting moment that contributed to the Frost’s eventual loss.
Their power play also failed to convert, despite generating a few solid opportunities. The team moved the puck well and created chances but was unable to find the back of the net. Some plays took too long to develop, leading to blocked shots and missed opportunities. As coach Klee mentioned, “They (Sirens) only had one (power-play goal), and it was a good shot. She made a shot off the post short side; I think that’s a shot as a power play that we’re going to have to give up.” While there were definitely some positives in terms of puck movement, the Frost will need to tighten up both their penalty kill and power play units moving forward.
As the season progresses, the team has plenty of time to fine-tune their special teams play. It will be an area to watch as they continue to grow and develop.
Frost Look to Bounce Back on the Road
After a quick home opener, the Minnesota Frost now head on the road to face the Boston Fleet, a team they met in last season’s Walter Cup Championship finals. The matchup promises to be another hard-fought battle, as both teams have had significant offseason changes. It will be interesting to see how the Frost respond after this opening loss and whether they can find a way to bounce back and earn their first win of the season.
The Frost still have a lot to be optimistic about, and while their special teams need work, their offensive depth, goaltending, and overall team chemistry bode well for their season. The road ahead is long, and with plenty of time to adjust, the Frost are more than capable of turning this season opener into a learning experience that leads to future success.
“It’s game one, day one,” as Coyne-Schofield put it, and the Minnesota Frost will look to build on this experience and come back stronger for their next challenge.
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