Three Burning Questions For The Minnesota Frost

This could easily be 20 questions after the offseason the Minnesota Frost had. After winning the inaugural Walter Cup, the team quickly slid into turmoil. It started with the dismissal of general manager and soon to be Hockey Hall of Famer Natalie Darwitz. Then it was parting ways with three additional coaches, and the selection of forward Britta Curl in the draft.

The team was taking criticism from fans left and right, with many fans posting their season ticket cancellation emails online. It was a mess. As the preseason approaches, there seem to be few answers into the league's investigation into head coach Ken Klee, or comment from Klee or captain Kendall Coyne Schofield on the situation. The league did, however, hire a new general manager in longtime AHL staffer Melissa Caruso. The league has put their trust in Caruso's years of experience to take Minnesota through this and get back to business.

The team has many questions to answer, on and off the ice, perhaps none more pressing than these.

How will the Frost rebuild fan trust?

There will be fans the league and team have lost for good. Most will likely come around when the puck drops. Sport has an interesting way of making fans forget issues when play resumes and new storylines take hold. The new team identity, and logo certainly opened a door for positivity in Minnesota's fan base, but the question marks still exist. There will likely be a share of boos for members of their home team when introductions are made at their home opener, but there is always opportunity to make things right. For Minnesota, it will certainly involve actions of inclusion in the community, positive communication with media, and winning. It might come slowly, but avoiding all controversy, participating in community outreach, and showing the public a cohesive team, rather than figureheads at the top calling all the shots, will be the first steps.

Can Minnesota repeat?

From looking like they'd miss the playoffs, to winning the Walter Cup, the Minnesota Frost took fans on a wild ride last season. It ended on a high note for the team who hoisted the inaugural Walter Cup. Repeating is the hardest thing in professional sport, and Minnesota will certainly face a challenge. Adding Claire Thompson is significant for their blueline, although she may need time to acclimatize. Up front their main additions were Klara Hymlarova and Britta Curl, both who can make an impact on both sides of the puck. The biggest boosts to Minnesota's repeat hopes could be a full healthy season from Taylor Heise were her stardom can take another leap, and giving Michela Cava opportunities to show that her annual playoff performances, which by this point have become near folklore, can translate over a full year. With two goalies who can play, the biggest need for Minnesota at the moment is building out their forward depth.

Who really is in charge?

Like the powerful Oz, it's not clear who's behind the curtain calling shots in Minnesota. Presumably it will be new general manager Melissa Caruso. That however, didn't work for Natalie Darwitz. Ken Klee and Kendall Coyne Schofield showed their power and influence last season. Klee will certainly be under the microscope this season not only for on-ice performance, but off ice culture. The league will undoubtedly hope this is the last they hear of ongoings in Minnesota, and the runway will be short for those involved if new issues emerge, or last year's issues continue.

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