The Western Collegiate Hockey Association played a key role in helping Minnesota win the inaugural Walter Cup as champions of the PWHL on Wednesday, May 29 as PWHL Minnesota defeated PWHL Boston, 3-0 in a winner-take-all game five at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass.

Former University of Minnesota standout Taylor Heise was voted the recipient of the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award after leading the PWHL Playoffs in goals with five, and finishing tied for first in points with eight, in ten games played. Heise was chosen first overall by Minnesota in the inaugural PWHL Draft in September 2023.  

The PWHL Minnesota roster included several former WCHA players including Gopher alums Lauren Bench (UM & BSU), Abigail Boreen, Taylor Heise, Amanda Leveille, Kelly Pannek, Lee Stecklein and Grace Zumwinkle.  Former Minnesota Duluth players on the roster included Sydney Brodt, Michela Cava, Maggie Flaherty and Maddie Rooney.  Cava scored a goal in the championship game and finished the playoffs with four goals and four assists.

Representing Wisconsin on the PWHL Minnesota roster were Sophia Kunin, Melissa Channell and Natalie Buchbinder.  Former Ohio State players on the roster included Sophie Jaques, Claire DeGeorge (OSU & BSU) and Liz Schepers.  Former Minnesota State players on the PWHL roster this season included Claire Butorac, Brooke Bryant and Brittyn Fleming. 

Players on the PWHL Boston roster in the game included, Hannah Brandt (Minnesota, Emily Brown (Minnesota), Jess Healey (Minnesota Duluth), Hilary Knight (Wisconsin), Cami Kronish (Wisconsin), Gigi Marvin (Minnesota), Sidney Morin (Minnesota Duluth), Sophie Shirley (WIsconsin), Emma Soderberg (Minnesota Duluth) and Susanna Tapani (North Dakota)

In the first season of PWHL competition, there were over 55 former WCHA players listed on the rosters of the six teams in the league.