Frost’s Kendall Coyne Schofield to miss 2026-27 after pregnancy announcement
The two-time Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost will be without captain Kendall Coyne Schofield for the entire 2026-27 PWHL season after the 34-year-old announced her pregnancy on Thursday.
The Frost posted a celebratory statement following Coyne Schofield’s announcement on Thursday, on behalf of general manager Melissa Caruso, saying the team “couldn’t be happier,” and that they were “thrilled to celebrate alongside them.
“On behalf of the entire Minnesota Frost family, we couldn’t be happier for Kendall, Michael and Drew as they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family,” the full statement read. “This is such an exciting chapter in their lives, and we’re thrilled to celebrate alongside them.
“Kendall means so much to our team, both on and off the ice. While we’ll miss seeing her compete this season, the leadership, experience and energy she brings to the Frost extends far beyond the game.
“We can’t wait to welcome the newest member of the Frost family next year, and we’ll be here to support Kendall and her family in every way possible.”
The announcement comes after Coyne Schofield signed a two-year contract extension in August, following a 2025-26 season in which she scored 12 goals and 11 assists, making her one of three players to average a point-per-game rate or higher.
The new addition to the family will be Coyne Schofield and retired NFL offensive lineman Michael Schofield III’s second child, after previously welcoming Drew into their lives on July 1, 2023.
Under the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players are entitled to paid maternity leave and continued salary protection, and according to section 7.5 of the CBA, a Standard Player Agreement “may not be terminated during its term based on a Player’s pregnancy, maternity leave, parental leave, or on-ice and/or off-ice training injuries.”
The Frost open the 2026-27 season on Dec.5, providing the opponent for PWHL San Jose’s inaugural game on home ice at the SAP Center.
