American hockey star Kendall Coyne will be the inaugural captain of PWHL Minnesota, the team announced Wednesday.
Lee Stecklein and Kelly Pannek were appointed as alternate captains.
In a video posted to X on Wednesday morning, general manager Natalie Darwitz explained the decision and credited Coyne's commitment both on and off the ice.
"Not only does she do awesome things on the rink to grow this thing and to push this thing forward ... to doing what she does as a person away from the rink and going to bat for every one of you," Darwitz said.
Over the years, Coyne has been a linchpin for the U.S. women's international team and helped her country medal in three Winter Olympics (gold in 2018, and silver in 2022 and 2014). The 31-year-old has also won six gold medals at the IIHF World Women's Championships.
Minnesota will play its season opener on Jan. 3 against Boston. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
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