Walter Cup News Today

Grace Zumwinkle, an Excelsior native who delivered a hat trick in Minnesota's home opener, was a third-round selection in the 2023 PWHL draft.

Zumwinkle took home a big win on Tuesday afternoon alongside other athletes like Natalie Spooner, Kristen Campbell and Erin Ambrose at the PWHL awards ceremony.

After winning the Walter Cup, Minnesota bolstered its roster at the PWHL draft on Monday at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

It wasn't one person but the input of many over the past five-plus months that led to the Professional Women's Hockey League removing Natalie Darwitz as Minnesota's general manager a mere week after winning the league's inaugural championship.

Defending champion Minnesota hosted the 2024 pro women's hockey draft and the team didn't shy away from controversy in the wake of their popular general manager's abrupt firing.

PWHL Minnesota coach Ken Klee declined comment about Natalie Darwitz and made the team's draft selections, selecting Canadian defender Claire Thompson with the No. 3 overall pick.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - A year ago, Natalie Spooner was a new mother and her professional women's hockey league was still a concept.

Natalie Spooner has been named the most valuable player of the inaugural Professional Women's Hockey League season.

Former Gophers star Amanda Kessel is among the players available for the PWHL draft, along with Abby Boreen, who has already helped lead PWHL Minnesota to a title.

PWHL removed Darwitz after "internal and external review," league vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford told reporters on Saturday.