The Minnesota Whitecaps announced on Oct. 20 that they are bringing back three key pieces of their team from last season. Forward Stephanie Anderson, and defenders Winny Brodt Brown and Lisa Martinson all re-signed with the team ahead of the NWHL’s sixth season.
Brodt Brown and Martinson will both be entering their third seasons with the Whitecaps/NWHL and were a part of the team’s Isobel Cup championship in 2019. Anderson will be entering her second season with the team/league.
Minnesota Nice
After playing just three games (one assist) in her first season, Martinson rebounded with eight points (1g-7a) in 18 games this past season and was a plus-17, fifth-highest on the team. She is pointless in two playoff games. Anderson finished her first season in the NWHL with ten points (4g-6a) over 22 games and was pointless in one playoff game.
“I really enjoyed my first NWHL season and I’m incredibly proud to be a member of the Minnesota Whitecaps again! I’m looking forward to putting in all the hard work as a team so we can make another run for the Isobel Cup championship,” said Anderson in the press release announcing the signings.
“I am so excited to be back in the NWHL season with the Whitecaps,” added Martinson. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to continue playing the game I love in my home state with great teammates, coaches, staff, and fans. Roll Caps!”
The Queen of Minnesota
Brodt Brown has played in 34 NWHL regular-season games, putting up six points (all assists), and is pointless in three playoff games. The 42-year-old was the first-ever winner of the Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award (1995-96), played for the University of Minnesota (1998-2003), and won two silver medals at the World Championships (2000, 2001).
She was a member of the original Whitecaps dating back to 2004-05 and it is hard to imagine a team in Minnesota without her involved. “After a long break, I am really looking forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and coaches!” Brodt Brown said via email.
“We are pleased to have Winny back as our captain for the Whitecaps’ third season in the NWHL. With her great poise and vision, she is one of our key defenders,” said GM and co-head coach Jack Brodt.
“Steph is an excellent all-zone player and a very, very aggressive forechecker whose speed puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenders. Lisa was outstanding for us last season and continues to develop as a very reliable defender. Winny, Steph, and Lisa will all be key factors in our team’s success.”
Minnesota has almost caught up to the other five teams as far as announced signed players go. THW has learned that the Whitecaps will have a few more signings to eventually announce, including two forwards who were a part of the Isobel Cup-winning team and two defenders – one who played for the Buffalo Beauts last season and one who played for Middlebury College last season.
With the signing of Anderson, Brodt Brown, and Martinson, the Whitecaps now have 16 players signed for next season. They join forwards Allie Thunstrom, Corinne Buie, Jonna Curtis, Audra Richards, Meaghan Pezon, Meghan Lorence, and Haley Mack, defenders Chelsey Brodt-Rosenthal, Amanda Boulier, Emma Stauber, and Maddie Rowe, and goaltenders Amanda Leveille and Allie Morse.