Kendall Coyne Schofield Withdraws From Upcoming PWHL Season
The star forward for the Minnesota Frost is stepping away for the 2026-27 season to prepare for the birth of her child.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Pregnancy
Live Poll
Should professional sports leagues provide more flexible career support for athletes during pregnancy?
Professional hockey player Kendall Coyne Schofield announced she is pregnant and will sit out the 2026-27 PWHL season. The two-time Walter Cup champion had recently signed a new contract with the Minnesota Frost.
Why it matters
The decision marks a shift for the Minnesota Frost roster ahead of the upcoming PWHL season. Families navigating professional career planning often balance high-stakes sports contracts with personal life milestones like welcoming a child.
Coyne Schofield signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Frost in August 2026. She enters her hiatus with a career plus-minus record of plus-46 and 30 total goals in the PWHL.
The players
Kendall Coyne Schofield
A two-time Walter Cup champion and professional hockey player known for her significant offensive contributions to the PWHL.
Minnesota Frost
A professional women's hockey team in the PWHL that recently secured a multi-year commitment from their star forward.
The details
Coyne Schofield, a two-time Walter Cup champion, announced her pregnancy on October 29, 2026. Her departure affects the Minnesota Frost lineup just weeks before the league schedule resumes, requiring the team to manage their depth in her absence.
Timeline
August 2026: Coyne Schofield signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Frost.
October 29, 2026: Coyne Schofield announced her pregnancy and withdrawal from the season.
December 5, 2026: The PWHL season begins.
The Home Front
High-level professional sports organizations are increasingly adapting their roster management to accommodate the family-planning needs of star athletes. This departure aligns with broader trends in sports-industry labor agreements that support parental leave for players.
Professional athletes and families in high-pressure careers often benefit from reviewing their employment contracts and insurance coverage during major life transitions. Consulting with a professional benefits coordinator can help ensure all leave policies and contract obligations are clear.
The takeaway
Balancing elite professional sports with personal life transitions is a common reality for many high-performing households. Families facing similar changes should review their current benefits and support structures to ensure a smooth transition during personal leave.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating Pregnancy and career milestones at We are Home.
Live Poll
Should professional sports leagues provide more flexible career support for athletes during pregnancy?
