On May 4, 2026, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced disciplinary action against forward Britta Curl-Salemme of the Minnesota Frost. The Player Safety Committee reviewed two incidents from Game 1 of the PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs, leading to a one-game suspension and a $250 fine for Curl-Salemme.
PWHL Disciplinary Action Details
The first incident occurred during a confrontation with Abby Roque at 4:47 in the second period. Both players received minor penalties for roughing. The Committee determined Curl-Salemme’s actions were excessive, as she pulled on Roque’s facial protector, causing her to fall to the ice. This warranted supplemental discipline.
Furthermore, Curl-Salemme was penalized for a more serious violation involving an illegal check to the head of Kaitlin Willoughby at 19:12 in the second period. The review revealed that Curl-Salemme did not attempt to play the puck and made direct contact with Willoughby’s head, which was deemed avoidable.
Player History and Impact of the Suspension
This suspension marks Curl-Salemme’s first disciplinary action of the 2025-26 season. Her history includes a previous $250 fine for a cross-checking foul on March 15, 2026, and three one-game suspensions during the prior season. These were for:
- A high-sticking incident on January 2, 2025
- An illegal check to the head on March 9, 2025
- Another illegal check to the head during playoffs on May 7, 2025
The Player Safety Committee considers a player’s history when determining penalties. According to PWHL Rule 23.6, players who incur two Game Misconducts in the Physical Fouls category during playoff series face automatic suspensions for the next game, impacting Curl-Salemme’s record for the ongoing series.
Community Focus and Support Initiatives
Fines collected from players like Curl-Salemme contribute to girls’ hockey programs and initiatives aimed at providing better access to equipment. This emphasizes the league’s commitment to developing the sport for young athletes.
For further insights, a video detailing the incidents and explanations from the Player Safety Committee is available for review.
