Kelly Pannek Rewrites the Record Book
Kelly Pannek delivered a record-setting season while continuing to anchor Minnesota’s lineup in all situations.
By Robert Brent
This PWHL season was full of milestones and noteworthy moments for the Minnesota Frost. Still, one achievement stands out as particularly notable: Alternate captain Kelly Pannek didn’t only have a career year, but had a season for the books. The record books, specifically.
Pannek’s 33 points in 30 games stand as the highest single-season total in PWHL history. She led the league with 16 goals and added 17 assists, driving a Minnesota offense that finished first overall with 91 goals.
The Plymouth, MN native has long been a notable player in the landscape of women’s hockey. It would be unfair to call a season of that magnitude unexpected. That being said, it wasn’t always guaranteed to happen in Minnesota.
When the PWHL announced its expansion last season, teams were given only four protection spots to retain current players. The Frost spent those protection slots on Kendall Coyne Schofield, Lee Stecklein, Taylor Heise and Britta Curl-Salemme.
Minnesota knew it was going to lose a valuable player in the expansion draft. They ultimately did, but fortunately, Pannek’s name wasn’t among those departing.
Pannek’s scoring leap is only part of her value. Teammates point to her defensive play, leadership and attention to detail just as quickly. Those qualities have defined her long before the goals followed.
Perhaps no player knows that better than Grace Zumwinkle. Zumwinkle, an Excelsior, MN native, has played with Pannek every year of the Frost’s existence. They also played together at the University of Minnesota and with Team USA during international events.
Zumwinkle recently explained what makes Pannek such a special talent and presence in the locker room.
“She’s such a vocal leader for us on and off the ice. I’ve played with her for so many years and she has hockey IQ like I’ve never seen before,” Zumwinkle said. “It’s nice to see her get rewarded for the success she’s had.”
Fellow Frost forward Taylor Heise agrees, stating that it’s been rewarding to see all the work Pannek puts in pay off.
“All the work and dedication she put into her game was on show this year,” Heise said. “Everyone has taken her as this defensive specialist, but now she’s scoring a lot. It’s fun to be out there with her.”
While Pannek had a career year offensively, she also continued to be the two-way force that has defined her game for years. The versatile center won 59.6% of her faceoffs, blocked 33 shots and only spent six minutes in the penalty box.
With Pannek’s scoring numbers rocketing from 11 points in 2024-25 to 33 in 2025-26, one may wonder how her approach changed. According to Pannek, it helped knowing that she would be busy this season, not only defending the Walter Cup Championship but also playing a key role for Team USA at the Olympic Games.
“I put in a lot of work this offseason, knowing that there was a lot of hockey this season, trying to put myself in a position to play well for the Olympic team and the Frost,” Pannek said. “I’m always willing to do what it takes to help this team be successful, and I’m happy to be supporting in the offensive role as well.”
That preparation paid off in the PWHL season and her international slate. Pannek captured Olympic gold for the second time and earned her third Olympic medal overall at the 2026 Olympic Games with Team USA.
Pannek had a career season, but her year also sits among several notable performances from her teammates. Taylor Heise joined Pannek as the only other player to break the 30-point barrier in a season so far. Britta-Curl Salemme’s 18 assists are the most by any player in a PWHL season.
Along with season accomplishments, several players also reached career milestones. Pannek, Taylor Heise, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Grace Zumwinkle all reached the 50-point career mark.
Pannek says that it’s been exciting to be part of a team where so many players are celebrating successes.
“That’s been the story of our season. A lot of us have had some really good years, and it helps when you’re playing together here.” Pannek said. “I think what’s exciting is for us to be able to be excited for each other to have this success.”
Individual successes are exciting, but ultimately, the team won’t be happy until they’ve achieved their ultimate goal: Winning the Walter Cup Championship for the third season in a row. To accomplish that, players like Pannek will have to keep at the top of their games.
Fortunately for the Frost, Pannek is built to do that. The Minnesota product is a crafty two-way specialist who is scoring in bunches this season. She’ll also do anything it takes to win. That’s exactly the kind of player Minnesota needs to defend its title.
