PWHL Minnesota’s offseason has been nothing short of tumultuous, with the latest news involving head coach Ken Klee notifying additional staff members, originally hired by former general manager Natalie Darwitz, that they would not be returning for the upcoming season. This decision has intensified the ongoing controversy that has surrounded the team since Darwitz’s unexpected dismissal.
An anonymous former staff member described the environment under Klee as “toxic” and “unprofessional.” They revealed that Bloom Sports’ third-party consultation, cited by the league as the reason for Darwitz’s removal, actually highlighted concerns about the culture fostered by Klee. “I’ve never worked with a more professional leader than Natalie Darwitz,” the former staffer remarked, underscoring the professionalism and inclusivity Darwitz brought to the team.
Jayna Hefford, PWHL Director of Hockey Operations, acknowledged in an early June interview with The Hockey News that the Bloom report did not paint a positive picture, which prompted the personnel changes.
Reports have surfaced indicating that Klee, along with captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, was involved in drafting plans prior to Darwitz’s dismissal, raising questions about the exclusion of the general manager from significant decisions. Further allegations suggest Klee had been seeking new hires before informing the current staff of their terminations. “I’ve never experienced anything more unprofessional,” said a recently dismissed staff member, reflecting the chaos and uncertainty within the organization.
Klee’s controversial tenure began before the inaugural season, replacing head coach Charlie Burggraf.
Darwitz, who was recently announced as a 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, was dismissed days after PWHL Minnesota won the inaugural Walter Cup.
Multiple league and team sources, including reports from The Athletic and the Minnesota Star Tribune, suggest that Klee and Coyne Schofield played a significant role in Darwitz’s ousting. The Athletic’s Michael Russo described the situation as marked by “dysfunction and backstabbing.” Coyne Schofield, influential in the formation of the new league, reportedly held significant sway within the team and the league.
Furthermore, sources within the organization revealed that Coyne Schofield did not participate in team workouts, conducting her own sessions with support from Klee and other veterans. This created a power imbalance within the team, with junior players feeling marginalized by the veterans’ close relationship with Klee.
The drafting of Britta Curl, an athlete with a history of transphobic and racist social media posts, further damaged the team’s reputation this summer. Curl’s subsequent apology video did little to mitigate the fallout.
Former staff members believe that the dysfunction within PWHL Minnesota has driven players to retire or leave, not by choice but by necessity.
Darwitz issued a statement on June 9, thanking the State of Hockey for their support and reaffirming her dedication to providing a top-notch experience for players, staff, and fans. Despite her efforts, the team’s future remains uncertain. No official announcements have been made regarding the current status of the remaining staff in Minnesota or the search for a new general manager. However, the team has posted a job listing for a new general manager, indicating an ongoing search for leadership.
The offseason drama for PWHL Minnesota continued as Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News reported additional staff dismissals this week. According to Kennedy, Klee informed the staff that they would not return for the 2024-25 season, citing a change in direction for the organization. The turmoil from this offseason has led to a fan-made petition calling for changes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among the fan base.
As PWHL Minnesota navigates these turbulent times, the future of the team and its leadership remains unclear. The controversy surrounding Ken Klee and the dismissal of Natalie Darwitz has cast a long shadow over both the organization and the PWHL, raising serious questions about its direction and stability moving forward.
…proving that this is a horseshit league.