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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 20 M I N N E S O T A W H I T E C A P S Premier Hockey Federation Salary Cap Doubling to Historic $1.5 Million in 2023-24 Last month, the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) announced a significant salary cap increase for next season, doubling the amount from $750,000 to $1.5 million per team in 2023-24. Heading into the league's ninth season, it marks the third annual salary cap raise and represents 900 percent growth since 2021 when the cap was just $150,000 per team. "We know how dedicated and selfless these players are to building more opportunities for women in sport, and the PHF is committed to prioritizing our support of these talented and skilled players on and off the ice," PHF Commissioner Reagan Carey said. "Players, alumni, staff, coaches, volunteers, partners, ownership, and our passionate fans have all been working towards ensuring full-time professional hockey is a career path for women." Whitecaps forward and Mound native Liz Schepers says it's a game-changer. "This is a huge moment for the PHF and all of women's sports," Schepers said. "I'm so proud and excited to be a part of this league during such a pivotal time and am thankful for the leadership of those that came before us." – Courtesy of the PHF DOUBLE DOWN Liz Schepers Snodgrass is one of 13 Minnesotans suiting up for the 2022-23 season with the PHF's Whitecaps as the organi- zation begins the next chapter in a new home at Richfield Ice Arena. "I haven't been on a Minnesota-based team since high school, so it's fun getting the chance to rekindle some of those relationships," said Snodgrass, an Eagan native who finished as Eastview's all-time leading scorer before embarking on a stellar college career at the University of Connecticut. "We have players like Syd Baldwin—another player I've always looked up to—who are huge assets. Like, wow, I'm on her team. "We've got a good thing going here. I think the fans are going to have some fun." Baldwin, the Minnetonka native and former Ms. Hockey, is one of four former Gophers on the Whitecaps. Three-time UMD captain Sydney Brodt of North Oaks is making a big impact in her first season. Fresh off a 2022 NCAA National Championship with Ohio State is Mound's Liz Schepers, who brings strength and scoring to the center position. And let's not forget 2018 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Sidney Morin, who's come home following four very productive pro seasons in Europe. Ronda Engelhardt, co-head coach for the past four seasons alongside Jack Brodt, is now the head coach following his depar- ture. She was also hired by the Nashville Predators as the organi- zation's first female amateur scout. "Minnesota in general has such a rich tradition of girls' hockey, that to incorporate our local Division I players onto a professional women's team roster is exciting," said Engelhardt, who was Ms. Hockey in 1999 at Roseville before starring for the Gophers. "I'm just trying to continue to see growth of the game and to get more people into our league. These girls this year are fresh out of college, See your Minnesota Whitecaps live at Richfield Ice Arena this season as they battle for the Isobel Cup! All games streamed on ESPN+. Feb. 18 vs. Buffalo Beauts (6 p.m.) Feb. 19 vs. Buffalo Beauts (1 p.m.) Feb. 25 vs. Toronto Six (6 p.m.) Feb. 26 vs. Toronto Six (Noon) March 11 vs. Connecticut Whale (6 p.m.) March 12 vs. Connecticut Whale (1 p.m.) CATCH THE WAVES WE'VE GOT A GOOD THING GOING HERE. I THINK THE FANS ARE GOING TO HAVE SOME FUN." – Natalie Snodgrass, Eastview