Frost focusing on good habits for Walter Cup three-peat

VANCOUVER – As the Minnesota Frost prepare to defend their back-to-back Walter Cup titles, head coach Ken Klee knows he’ll need his entire team to contribute to wins.

“Our depth and not relying on one player or one line to score is really the key to our success,” said Klee on Saturday after his team defeated the Vancouver Goldeneyes 3-1 to extend their win streak to five games.

“(Depth) has been the key the past two seasons and we’re looking to continue that.”

The Frost are picking up momentum at the right time as the third Professional Women’s Hockey League season enters the final stages of the campaign.

Three different players scored for the Frost in Vancouver, something Klee offered his praise for his team.

Klee said he’s less focused on who is contributing to successful results and instead is focused on how they contribute, noting the team’s versatility.

“It’s a huge credit to how hard they work that we’re getting balanced scoring,” he said. “It’s different players every night.”

Natalie Buchbinder netted her first goal of the season on Saturday to give her team the lead, and Buchbinder, along with Klee, said it’s another example of how multiple players step up every night.

While she doesn’t consider goals a priority, Buchbinder said she felt a relief to finally get on the scoresheet.

“I’m not a big stats person, but it felt good,” said Buchbinder.

“It’s great that Natalie can chip in today, but I know she’s not worried about that. She’s worried about us winning,” added Klee.

Earlier in the season, Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield said she isn’t focused on individual stats, and Klee said that attitude is shared by the rest of the players.

“That sentiment as our captain goes through our room,” said Klee.

At the top of the PWHL standings, the Frost boast some of the most successful players in the league.

Following Saturday’s win, Kelly Pannek, Taylor Heise and Britta Curl-Salemme sit tied as the PWHL points leaders with 22 points each.

While the Frost have their sights set on a third straight Walter Cup, Klee said he wants his team to set itself up for the easiest success possible.

Entering Saturday’s contest, the Frost were in a three-way tie with the Boston Fleet and Montreal Victoire for first in the PWHL. This win puts them three points (42) ahead, but the Fleet and Victoire have a game in hand.

Klee said his team isn’t fixated on the standings, and he said every point is important no matter where the Frost stand.

“We’re not trying to look where we are, but just more how we’re playing and us putting points together.”

Last season, the Frost didn’t qualify for the playoffs until the final game, beating out the Fleet.

“It’s tough. We know we need to pick up as many points during the regular season (because) last season we got in on the last day,” he said. 

“We’re looking to keep rolling. Obviously, it’s a lot of fun to win, but we’re just making sure we keep getting better and keep working on our game. “

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2026.