Vancouver, one of the two PWHL expansion teams (along with Seattle) that will debut next season, has yet to reveal the team’s nickname.
For now, just refer to Vancouver’s entry as Minnesota West.
Vancouver used two of its seven picks in Monday’s expansion draft on Frost forwards. Brooke McQuigge was picked fourth overall, the second forward taken behind Hannah Bilka, who went No. 3 to Seattle. Vancouver used its last pick — No. 13 — on Denisa Krizova.
The two selections came on the heels of Vancouver signing Frost defensemen Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson to free agent deals last week. Vancouver also selected former Frost forward Abby Boreen, who played this season in Montreal, with the fifth overall pick in Monday’s draft.
And then there’s the forward Vancouver took with the eighth overall pick, Minneapolis native Izzy Daniel, who played this season for Toronto.
It was a surprise to some that Frost winger Grace Zumwinkle was not selected. Zumwinkle, the former Gophers star, was the PWHL’s rookie of the year in 2023-24 after scoring 11 goals.
This season, Zumwinkle was slowed by an injury that forced her to miss eight games. She finished with four goals and six assists.
Seattle and Vancouver each made seven selections to reach a roster of 12 after signing five free agents, the maximum number allowed during the exclusive signing window. Vancouver won the lottery for the first pick and selected Ottawa defenseman Ashton Bell.
Seattle had the next two picks and selected defenseman Aneta Tejralova (Ottawa) and Bilka (Boston), the former Ohio State star.
The focus for the Frost now turns to free agency and the PWHL draft, which will be held on June 24. Goaltender Nicole Hensley remains under contract while her running mate, Maddie Rooney, is a free agent. Re-signing Rooney likely is the Frost’s top priority in free agency.
The Frost will have to rebuild their defensive corps, with only Lee Stecklein under contract for next season among defenseman. Jaques and Thompson combined with Stecklein to play heavy minutes this season.
As for the forwards, Katy Knoll and Dominque Petrie impressed in their first season with the Frost, and both could see increased roles on the team next season should they be re-signed.
Frost general manager Melissa Caruso has said that the Frost will be active in free agency and have compiled a list of players from around the league that they would like to pursue.
Ottawa Charge goalie Gwyneth Philips (33) makes a save on Minnesota Frost forward Denisa Krizova (41) during the second period of a PWHL game, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)
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