How Batherson, McQuigge handle being rookies on the reigning Walter Cup Champions

Growing up, Mae Batherson always wanted to play professional hockey. So when she thinks back to the night of the 2024 PWHL Draft, Batherson says it's a night that's probably the coolest experience she's been a part of.

"I never thought I'd be a part of a draft or something like that," Batherson said. "So even just being there, I was hopeful of getting picked, and I was happy to be a part of it no matter what."

The Minnesota Frost hosted the draft, setting the scene for players selected by the hometown squad to hear the gaiety in fans cheers at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in Saint Paul, Minn. And for Batherson, she heard precisely that.

"Having the home crowd there, supporting you, cheering, and being excited for you, and then going through the whole media process was just really cool to be a part of," Batherson said. "I felt the support right away from Minnesota fans."

Minnesota drafted Batherson in the sixth round of the draft. A couple of rounds earlier, Minnesota selected Brooke McQuigge.Together, the pair of Canadians were two of a handful of rookies joining the reigning Walter Cup Champions — a team setting its sights on back-to-back league titles and keeping the championship in the State of Hockey.

After earning roster spots, Batherson and McQuigge have played 11 and 12, respectively. The latter scored her first goal on December 28 and has potted another since.

"It's nice to get the first one because then you can relax and stop gripping your stick so hard," McQuigge said. "I think it just comes down to how my line was playing, and we did a really good job getting on the forecheck."

But joining a championship squad as a rookie comes with its pressures. The Frost currently sit second across the PWHL with 20 points in 13 games, but the Ottawa Charge and New York Sirens are creeping up behind the reigning champions — Ottawa has 17 points in 12 contests, while New York has 16 points in 10 games.

"There is a sense of pressure there coming into a culture that's a winning culture is definitely tough," McQuigge said. "Finding my spot within the team and what I have to offer is more of a personal pressure I put on myself.

"With the group of girls we have just showing up to the rink every day — everyone's ready to go, everyone's ready to compete, our practices are super high intensity — every day there's a little bit of pressure on yourself to get better and just to support the teammates around you."

Both say the Frost's veteran leadership helped the two settle in. McQuigge says she tries to absorb all the bits and pieces the veterans share in the day-to-day.

"Kendall [Coyne Schofield], she is just willing to help anybody or do anything to put them first," McQuigge said. "Kelly [Pannek], too, is great at giving feedback and supporting you on the ice.

"Having that leadership in the room is extremely helpful, especially with building confidence as a rookie."

But veteran defender Lee Stecklein is one teammate the duo both cited as being a leader on and off the ice.

"I've been playing with Lee Stecklein since my first game," Batherson said. "To me — to everyone, honestly — she's there for you on and off the ice, always checking in, getting to know you as a person and a player."

Batherson says that being in her first year, Stecklein is someone she can lean on in games, especially since they regularly line up against top players across the PWHL.

"If I'm struggling with my confidence… she's there for me a lot, and other players as well," Batherson said. "She can talk through many things, support you, and is encouraging on and off the ice."

McQuigge echoed Batherson's remarks about Stecklein's off-ice presence.

"Off the ice, Lee is a great leader," McQuigge said. "She's just such a genuine person. Every day you show up at the rink, she's there to talk to you and be somebody you can bring your problems to."