PWHL Minnesota wins inaugural season opener in Boston

The State of Hockey stood strong Wednesday as the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) Minnesota franchise won their inaugural season opener 3-2 in Boston.

The first-ever PWHL first-round draft pick Taylor Heise, a Minnesota Gopher and Red Wing alum, made history scoring PWHL Minnesota’s first goal four minutes into the first period. Sophia Kunin added another giving Minnesota a 2-0 lead after the first.

In the second period, Theresa Schafzahl cut that lead in half scoring for PWHL Boston to trail 2-1. A minute later Grace Zumwinkle gave Minnesota back a two goal lead making it 3-1. In the third period, Boston’s Megan Keller scored on the power play to make it 3-2, and University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) alum Sidney Morin would get credit for an assist.

Minnesota netminder Nicole Hensley made 33 saves, while Boston’s Aerin Frankel made 13.

Seven former Bulldogs were involved in the game. Minnesota boasting four in forwards Sydney Brodt and Michela Cava, defender Maggie Flaherty and goaltender Maddie Rooney. Boston had three in goalie Emma Soderberg, and defenders Sidney Morin and Jessica Healey.

Now 1-0 Minnesota next hosts their home opener Saturday, January 6 at the Xcel Energy Center. Puck drop is 2:30 p.m. against Montreal.