The Minnesota Frost have once again won the Walter Cup, making them champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Their Game 4 victory on Monday night confirms what many are already saying — the Frost are becoming a true dynasty in the league.
Expansion Threatens to Break Up the Frost
But here’s the twist: the Frost will lose some of their best players this summer because of league expansion. New teams in Seattle and Vancouver are joining the PWHL next season, which means expansion rules will allow these new teams to sign Frost players in an exclusive window and through a draft.
This expansion could do what no other team has managed in the playoffs—take key players away from the Frost and weaken their chances in the future. That’s tough for a team that has found the perfect mix of talent to go deep in the playoffs and win championships.
Is It Fair to the Frost? Absolutely
Is this fair to the Frost? Yes, it is. The PWHL is growing fast because women’s hockey is gaining more interest than ever before. Expanding the league by one-third with Seattle and Vancouver shows just how much the sport is growing.
All six existing teams, including the Frost, will lose some very good players. But making sure the new teams are competitive right from the start is important for the league’s success.
More Jobs, More Opportunities
The expansion also means 46 new player jobs will be created, helping grow the league and giving more women the chance to play professional hockey.
The Minnesota Frost have built a championship team and a growing dynasty in the PWHL, but expansion brings change. While losing key players is hard, it’s part of growing the league and making sure new teams like Seattle and Vancouver can compete right away. The league’s growth means more jobs and more chances for women to shine in professional hockey, which is great news for the sport’s future.
