The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) features an exciting inter-conference matchup as the expansion Seattle Torrent travel to face the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost. This game marks the second meeting between these teams in the 2025-26 season, with Minnesota looking to build on their early dominance while Seattle aims to leverage recent wins to climb the standings. Expect physical play and strong goaltending, as both teams have shown defensive resilience amid offensive inconsistencies.
Game Information
Puckdrop is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT (2:00 PM ET, 11:00 AM PT).
Venue: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, Minnesota (home game for the Frost).
This state-of-the-art facility has hosted several high-profile PWHL events, including Minnesota’s championship runs.
Recent Team Forms
Seattle Torrent: The Torrent are coming off a tough 2-1 loss to the Boston Fleet on January 7, 2026, where they generated chances but couldn’t capitalize. Their last five: L (2-1 vs. BOS), W (details unspecified, but part of mid-December surge), W (4-1 vs. OTT on Dec 18), L, OTL. Seattle has a 2-3 record in their last five, with strong home wins but road challenges. They average 2.3 goals per game, relying on opportunistic scoring.
Minnesota Frost: The Frost have been steady, with a recent activation boosting their depth. Their last five: W (vs. opponent unspecified), L (OTL at OTT on Jan 3?), W, W, W (including 3-0 over SEA on Nov 28). Minnesota is 3-1-1 in their last five, allowing just 1.8 goals per game thanks to elite defense and goaltending. They’ve won four of their last six home games.
Series History
As expansion rivals, this is only the second meeting between Seattle and Minnesota. The Frost hold a 1-0-0-0 edge, shutting out the Torrent 3-0 in Seattle’s home opener on November 28, 2025, in front of a record 16,014 fans.
That game was low-scoring, with Minnesota’s defense stifling Seattle’s attack. Expect similar intensity, as early-season games between new and established teams often feature cautious play.
Injury Report
Seattle Torrent: Defender Aneta Tejralová is serving a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head from December 29, 2025; she may miss this game depending on scheduling.
Rookie center Jenna Buglioni is questionable after leaving a recent game (prior to January 7 vs. Montréal) with an undisclosed injury.
The team is otherwise mostly healthy but thin on the blue line.
Minnesota Frost: Forward Kaitlyn O’Donohoe was activated from the Reserve Player list on January 8, 2026, providing a boost to their forward group.
No major injuries reported, with the Frost at near-full strength. The teams often keep injury details private, so lineups could shift closer to puck drop.
Key Player Matchups
This matchup pits Minnesota’s veteran core against Seattle’s emerging talent:
Goaltending: Samantha Ridgewell (SEA) vs. Nicole Hensley (MIN): Ridgewell has been solid in net for Seattle but faces a tough test. Hensley, who posted a 30-save shutout in their first meeting, leads the league in save percentage and could dictate a low-scoring game.
Forwards: Hannah Bilka (SEA) vs. Taylor Heise (MIN): Bilka has been a bright spot for Seattle, leading in recent takeaways and scoring.
Heise, a dynamic scorer for Minnesota, has multi-point games in her recent outings and could exploit Seattle’s defensive gaps.
Defense: Megan Carter (SEA) vs. Kelly Pannek (MIN): Carter anchors Seattle’s blue line with physical play.
Pannek, who scored twice in their first matchup, brings offensive threat from the back end for Minnesota.
Watch for special teams, as Minnesota’s power play (led by Grace Zumwinkle) could be decisive.
Betting Trends
Seattle Torrent: The Torrent have gone under in 4 of their last 5 games, averaging low totals on the road. They’re 1-3 in away games but cover the +1.5 puck line in 70% of losses. Power play efficiency sits at 18%, with a weak penalty kill (75%).
Minnesota Frost: Minnesota hits the under in 7 of 10 games, thanks to stingy defense (1.8 GA/GP). They’re 4-1 at home but 2-3 against the spread as favorites. The Frost boast a 92% penalty kill and have won 60% of games when favored by -150 or better.
Head-to-Head Trends: In their lone meeting, the game went under 4.5 with a 3-0 score. PWHL expansion games often feature unders (65% this season), and Minnesota covers at home against new teams.
GAME ODDS
Seattle Torrent 4.5
Minnesota Frost + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
