A player selected by the PWHL's Minnesota team in this week's draft has apologized for past controversial social media activity that targeted the 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Britta Curl, 24, issued the apology in a nearly two-and-a-half-minute-long video on X Friday.
"I recognize that recent events have caused many of you to form an opinion about me, about who I am and how I live my life. And I think I owe it to you guys to come on here and directly respond to these concerns," Curl said. "I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that."
Minnesota selected Curl in the second round of the PWHL Draft on June 10. On draft night, Minnesota head coach Ken Klee — who is acting as interim general manager following the departure of Natalie Darwitz — was asked if members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community were consulted before the pick was made.
“Did I speak to anyone from the community? I talk with players, with coaches. That’s tough to answer for me,” Klee said, according to The Toronto Star. “I spoke with a lot of different people. I mean, at the end of the day, I was told she’s a great teammate, a great person. She’s obviously a great player.”
The PWHL and PWHL Minnesota released identical statements on Friday night, 20 minutes after Curl released her video. While the league's statement did not name Curl, it said the PWHL is committed to building "an inclusive league that develops, supports and elevates the best women's hockey players in the world while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our growing, diverse and devoted fan base."