Troubling allegations of workplace abuse within PWHL Minnesota

The GIST: Less than two months after hoisting the inaugural Walter Cup, PWHL Minnesota is facing troubling allegations of bullying and verbal abuse amid an offseason already rife with controversy.

• As detailed on the latest episode of The GIST of It, here’s a timeline of the fallout that followed Minnesota’s championship win on May 29th.

June 8th — General manager Natalie Darwitz is fired by the PWHL: Darwitz was dismissed nine days after leading Minnesota to the inaugural title, with the league citing “both internal and external reviews.”

• The ouster was shocking — Darwitz is a living legend in the State of Hockey as a three-time Team USA Olympian and two-time NCAA champ at the University of Minnesota.

• Sources told Minnesota’s Star Tribune that Darwitz’s removal was a result of “clashes” with head coach Ken Klee, who was reportedly backed by veteran players including team captain and PWHL trailblazer Kendall Coyne Schofield.

June 11th — Minnesota’s draft pick sparks controversy: With the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Minnesota selected forward Britta Curl — a controversial choice after Curl previously liked posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) that were anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+, as well as others that promoted COVID-19 conspiracy theories.

• Curl’s selection was met with immediate backlash from Minnesota fans, but the decision was defended by Klee. Curl later apologized for her online behavior.

July 10th — Klee dismisses three staff members: A now-former Minnesota staffer spoke under anonymity to The Hockey News, calling Klee’s workplace environment divisive and toxic. Other former staffers stepped forward following that initial report, further alleging Klee used offensive ableist language while speaking to players.

• The PWHL is now investigating these disturbing allegations. No place for this in the sport.