Minnesota’s Britta Curl-Salemme suspended one game, Toronto’s Renata Fast fined $250
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced disciplinary actions following two separate reviews by the Player Safety Committee stemming from incidents in the March 9 game between the Minnesota Frost and the Toronto Sceptres. Minnesota forward Britta Curl-Salemme has been suspended for one game, while Toronto defender Renata Fast has been fined $250.
Details of the Incidents
Renata Fast (Toronto Sceptres): At 3:23 in the first period, Fast struck Kendall Coyne Schofield in the head with the shaft of her stick, an action that went unpenalized during play. Coyne Schofield was in a vulnerable position, and the contact jeopardized her safety. This violation falls under PWHL Rule 60.1 – Cross-checking. Notably, this is the first fine Fast has received in her PWHL career.
Britta Curl-Salemme (Minnesota Frost): At 12:06 in the second period, Curl-Salemme extended her elbow upward and outward during a high hit on Megan Carter, resulting in the head being the primary point of contact. This action, which led to a minor penalty for elbowing, violated PWHL Rule 48 – Illegal Check to the Head. This is Curl-Salemme’s second one-game suspension this season, following a high-sticking incident against Boston on January 2.
Player Safety Committee Oversight
The PWHL Player Safety Committee conducts independent reviews of all games and provides recommendations for supplementary discipline as necessary. Under the leadership of Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, the committee includes highly qualified members:
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall: PWHL Special Advisor
- Bill McCreary: Former NHL referee and Hockey Hall of Fame member
- Mike Murphy: Former NHL executive and VP of Hockey Operations
- Matt McMahon: Representative from the NHL Player Safety department
These measures reflect the league’s commitment to maintaining player safety and enforcing accountability. The PWHL remains steadfast in protecting athletes while upholding the integrity of the game.
