ST PAUL, Minnesota — The Minnesota Frost are back for a new season with a new name and ready to defend their Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) title. However, the season opener started with a loss as the Frost fell to the New York Sirens 4-3 in overtime on Sunday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Despite the loss, the Frost's season opener was also a chance to celebrate the team's success earlier in the year after their PWHL inaugural season Walter Cup Championship. Prior to the puck dropping, the Frost held a banner raising ceremony. Fans were also able to take pictures with the Walter Cup on the concourse during the game.
Renee Olsen-Gravelle of Barnum came out to the game with her family, including her granddaughter Finley Ziegler, 4.
"We wanted her to see that this is pretty special," said Olsen-Gravelle, who attended four games last season.
While talking to her granddaughter, Olsen-Gravelle said, "When you're big, you can come here and do this."
Fourth and fifth graders who play for the Andover Huskies also have high hopes for their future.
"I think some day I'll be on the PWHL hockey team," said Sophie Marinello, a fourth grader from Andover.
Teammate Kensley Kent said she felt the same way.
"It's great to be able to see women's sports finally getting some of the prime time that they deserve," said Samantha Caffentzis of Cottage Grove. "We played sports forever and it's nice to be able to come up and see the little kids that are here that could actually be out there one day."
Just 19 seconds into overtime, Sirens' forward Alex Carpenter scored the winning goal.
Up next, Minnesota plays at Boston on Wed. Dec. 4.