Coyne Schofield, Pannek and Stecklein sign with Minnesota’s PWHL franchise

Kendall Coyne Schofield shows gratitude to people involved in PWHL's inaugural season and her excitement to join the Minnesota franchise.

The PWHL’s Minnesota franchise announced the signings of forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek and defender Lee Stecklein on Wednesday.

The trio of U.S. Olympians became the first three players to sign with Minnesota’s team, all agreeing to three-year deals. Salaries of the deals will not be disclosed, as per the PWHL Players’ Association.

“With the signing of three of the top players in the world, Minnesota cements its foundation as a team built on excellence,” said Natalie Darwitz, general manager of PWHL Minnesota. “Kendall, Lee, and Kelly’s world-class hockey skills and leadership qualities embody the level of excellence that the culture of Minnesota will be built on. We are thrilled they are the first three players to join Minnesota as we build a championship team.”

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.