Latest news with #BrittaCurlSalemme
National Post
24-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
'I want to be a nuisance': Britta Curl-Salemme puts words to her villain status
Article content On Thursday night, two goals and an arena full of boos said enough for Britta Curl-Salemme in Game 2 of the PWHL Finals. Article content Article content After taking Curl-Salemme's spot in the Minnesota Frost's post-game press conference, defender Lee Stecklein said she wouldn't put words into her teammate's mouth about her reception in Ottawa. Article content So the next day, in a Friday afternoon virtual media availability, Curl-Salemme had the opportunity to put words to the massive impression she made in the first two games of the series. Article content Article content Between the relentless jeering, her knee-on-knee collision with Ottawa's Katerina Mrazova and her pair of goals in Game 2 to even the series, the 25-year-old forward has only cemented her status as public enemy No. 1 amongst Charge fans. Article content The fact that she's managed to heighten the already deafening noise around her name is a testament to her physical, hard-nosed game, not simply the controversy swirling around her. She gave the sense that the recent attention to her play has only motivated her more. Article content 'I'd rather play in front of a full crowd that's booing me than an empty one,' she said. 'That type of passion, it's really cool to see. I can't control how they may feel towards me. It's all in good fun I think. I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something.' Article content While Curl-Salemme may not have admitted it to the media, a Frost social media post from inside the team's locker room after Game 2 indicated the adversity is being used as ammunition for their championship repeat bid. Article content Article content 'I just have one message,' Curl-Salemme said with a grin on her face, while receiving the team's player of the game belt. 'It's Minnesota Frost versus the world.' The short speech was met with a roar of cheers from her teammates, who swung towels and clapped thunderously. Article content Article content By all accounts, the Wisconsin graduate became the PWHL's very first villain the moment she was selected ninth overall by the Frost in the 2024 PWHL Draft. That was the reality with Curl-Salemme being involved in a controversy in which many fans labelled her social media activity as anti-transgender and politically polarizing. Article content 'I'm sure some people think that (I'm a villain),' she said. 'I try not to get too involved with outside noise or perspectives. I just don't think that's helpful for me, for our team, or what I'm trying to do on the ice.' Article content Article content While the off-ice controversy may not help the team, Curl-Salemme's physical presence on the ice certainly has. Ironically, the main source of the backlash she now faces arguably stems not from her actions off the ice, but from her assertive play on it. And that's exactly how she wants it.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Britta Curl-Salemme's social media activity drew ire. PWHL fans won't let her forget it
As the Professional Women's Hockey League Finals unfold, Britta Curl-Salemme, a 25-year-old league newcomer from Bismarck, N.D., has emerged as one of the stars of the playoffs. Through two games, the Minnesota Frost forward has two goals, the most of any player in the Finals. Her game-tying and then overtime-winning goals on Thursday against the Ottawa Charge helped tie the series 1-1 heading into Saturday's Game 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Advertisement But Curl-Salemme has also been met with a chorus of boos every time she's touched the puck in the best-of-five series, which began in Ottawa on Tuesday. It's fair to wonder: Is she the new league's first-ever 'villain'? 'I'm sure people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives. I don't think that's helpful to me,' Curl-Salemme said on Friday. 'If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job and I'm doing what I'm proud of, and the things I'm supposed to be doing, then that may be it. But I'm not too worried about it.' Why, exactly, has Curl-Salemme been so polarizing? Advertisement After a successful college career, where she won three NCAA championships with the University of Wisconsin, Curl-Salemme was widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the PWHL's 2024 draft class. But her social media activity stirred controversy in the weeks leading up to the draft. Her 'likes' on X included posts that many viewed to be transphobic — including one post that called Target a 'perverted company' for selling LGBTQ+ merchandise — and politically polarizing. Curl-Salemme was booed the night of the draft by Minnesota's home crowd at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Her selection drew criticism from fans across the PWHL, a league that has welcomed LGBTQ+ fans. 'I can't really speak to the reasons behind it,' Curl-Salemme said when asked about why she's been met with such animosity throughout her rookie campaign. Advertisement Curl-Salemme wasn't made available to the media after Game 1 or 2 in Ottawa, despite multiple requests. Her comments on Friday in a Zoom media call were among Curl-Salemme's first on fans' reaction to her since posting her apology for the 'hurt' caused by her social media activity nearly a year ago. 'I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that,' she said in her statement at the time. 'I do not and I've never held hate or judgment towards any groups or individuals.' Despite the apology, the booing has continued in some road cities in the regular season and into the playoffs in Ottawa. Curl-Salemme's mix of skill and physicality has made her an important part of Minnesota's top-six as it tries to win a second straight PWHL championship. But she's also been criticized throughout the season for crossing the line — something that hasn't earned her many new fans outside of the Twin Cities. Advertisement She has also been suspended three times in her rookie season, including for an illegal hit to the head against Toronto defender Renata Fast in the semifinals. On Tuesday, in Game 1 of the Finals, she collided knee-on-knee with Ottawa forward Kateřina Mrázová, which Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod called a dangerous play. There was no penalty called, or any disciplinary action from the league. That only drew more ire from fans in Canada's capital. 'I'm sure it's annoying as hell being an opponent or being an opposing fan (with) the style that I play and, you know, I kind of try to embrace that obviously to a certain point,' Curl-Salemme said. 'I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me. So yeah, I'm sure that's part of it. But that's not why I do it either.' She added that finding the line between physicality and a bad hit has been a work in progress. 'I think I was excited just to play in a league that allows more physicality because I think it suits me,' she said. '(But) you've got to be able to find that line of, how do I stay in control and do it in a way that's not going to hurt my team or an opponent. Advertisement 'I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's obviously never the intention, but I think it's just going to take a little bit of maturity in my game and just figuring out how to play that way.' Despite the criticism and the boos, Curl-Salemme's teammates have stood behind her and said they are 'lucky' to have her in the locker room. On Thursday night, she was given the team's player-of-the-game belt to a rousing cheer. Frost coach Ken Klee credited Curl-Salemme for her ability to remain calm and deliver in 'hostile environments.' Curl-Salemme said the crowd reaction doesn't change the way she plays, nor does it give her any extra satisfaction when she comes through in a tough road environment like in Ottawa. Advertisement 'Personally, I'd rather play in front of a full crowd that's booing me than an empty one,' she said. 'That type of passion is really cool to see. I can't control how they may feel towards me. 'I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something. So it's fun to go there. It's fun to get a win too.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Minnesota Wild, NHL, Women's Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Britta Curl-Salemme's social media activity drew ire. PWHL fans won't let her forget it
As the Professional Women's Hockey League Finals unfold, Britta Curl-Salemme, a 25-year-old league newcomer from Bismarck, N.D., has emerged as one of the stars of the playoffs. Through two games, the Minnesota Frost forward has two goals, the most of any player in the Finals. Her game-tying and then overtime-winning goals on Thursday against the Ottawa Charge helped tie the series 1-1 heading into Saturday's Game 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Advertisement But Curl-Salemme has also been met with a chorus of boos every time she's touched the puck in the best-of-five series, which began in Ottawa on Tuesday. It's fair to wonder: Is she the new league's first-ever 'villain'? 'I'm sure people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives. I don't think that's helpful to me,' Curl-Salemme said on Friday. 'If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job and I'm doing what I'm proud of, and the things I'm supposed to be doing, then that may be it. But I'm not too worried about it.' Why, exactly, has Curl-Salemme been so polarizing? After a successful college career, where she won three NCAA championships with the University of Wisconsin, Curl-Salemme was widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the PWHL's 2024 draft class. But her social media activity stirred controversy in the weeks leading up to the draft. Her 'likes' on X included posts that many viewed to be transphobic — including one post that called Target a 'perverted company' for selling LGBTQ+ merchandise — and politically polarizing. Curl-Salemme was booed the night of the draft by Minnesota's home crowd at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Her selection drew criticism from fans across the PWHL, a league that has welcomed LGBTQ+ fans. Women's hockey was my safe space as a trans person. Super disappointing to see someone enter the league that would make my community feel anything but welcome. Trans people belong in sports. Trans women are women. — Harrison Browne (@Hbrowne24) June 11, 2024 'I can't really speak to the reasons behind it,' Curl-Salemme said when asked about why she's been met with such animosity throughout her rookie campaign. Curl-Salemme wasn't made available to the media after Game 1 or 2 in Ottawa, despite multiple requests. Her comments on Friday in a Zoom media call were among Curl-Salemme's first on fans' reaction to her since posting her apology for the 'hurt' caused by her social media activity nearly a year ago. Advertisement 'I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that,' she said in her statement at the time. 'I do not and I've never held hate or judgment towards any groups or individuals.' Despite the apology, the booing has continued in some road cities in the regular season and into the playoffs in Ottawa. Curl-Salemme's mix of skill and physicality has made her an important part of Minnesota's top-six as it tries to win a second straight PWHL championship. But she's also been criticized throughout the season for crossing the line — something that hasn't earned her many new fans outside of the Twin Cities. She has also been suspended three times in her rookie season, including for an illegal hit to the head against Toronto defender Renata Fast in the semifinals. On Tuesday, in Game 1 of the Finals, she collided knee-on-knee with Ottawa forward Kateřina Mrázová, which Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod called a dangerous play. There was no penalty called, or any disciplinary action from the league. That only drew more ire from fans in Canada's capital. 'I'm sure it's annoying as hell being an opponent or being an opposing fan (with) the style that I play and, you know, I kind of try to embrace that obviously to a certain point,' Curl-Salemme said. 'I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me. So yeah, I'm sure that's part of it. But that's not why I do it either.' She added that finding the line between physicality and a bad hit has been a work in progress. 'I think I was excited just to play in a league that allows more physicality because I think it suits me,' she said. '(But) you've got to be able to find that line of, how do I stay in control and do it in a way that's not going to hurt my team or an opponent. Advertisement 'I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's obviously never the intention, but I think it's just going to take a little bit of maturity in my game and just figuring out how to play that way.' Despite the criticism and the boos, Curl-Salemme's teammates have stood behind her and said they are 'lucky' to have her in the locker room. On Thursday night, she was given the team's player-of-the-game belt to a rousing cheer. Minnesota Frost versus the world 😎 — x – Minnesota Frost (@PWHL_Minnesota) May 23, 2025 Frost coach Ken Klee credited Curl-Salemme for her ability to remain calm and deliver in 'hostile environments.' Curl-Salemme said the crowd reaction doesn't change the way she plays, nor does it give her any extra satisfaction when she comes through in a tough road environment like in Ottawa. 'Personally, I'd rather play in front of a full crowd that's booing me than an empty one,' she said. 'That type of passion is really cool to see. I can't control how they may feel towards me. 'I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something. So it's fun to go there. It's fun to get a win too.'
Washington Post
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Frost forward Curl-Salemme finds solace among the boos she's attracting in PWHL role as 'villain'
Amid the choruses of boos, crosschecks and on-line social media attacks directed at Britta Curl-Salemme for what's seemed like most of her rookie PWHL season, the Minnesota Frost forward was able to experience a few moments of clarity and joy in the playoffs. They came Thursday night, when Curl-Salemme forced overtime by converting a rebound with 16 seconds left in regulation and then scored 16:24 into the extra period of a 2-1 victory in Ottawa to even the best-of-five Walter Cup Finals series at 1.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Minnesota Frost forward Curl-Salemme finds solace among the boos in PWHL role as 'villain'
Minnesota Frost fans in for some big fun at the X for Game 3 Minnesota Frost fans in for some big fun at the X for Game 3 Minnesota Frost fans in for some big fun at the X for Game 3 Amid the choruses of boos, crosschecks and on-line social media attacks directed at Britta Curl-Salemme for what's seemed like most of her rookie PWHL season, the Minnesota Frost forward was able to experience a few moments of clarity and joy in the playoffs. They came Thursday night, when Curl-Salemme forced overtime by converting a rebound with 16 seconds left in regulation and then scored 16:24 into the extra period of a 2-1 victory in Ottawa to even the best-of-five Walter Cup Finals series at 1. If the two clutch goals placed an even bigger target on the 25-year-old's back, then so be it, Curl-Salemme said during a Zoom conference call Friday when asked if she considered herself being the PWHL's first "villain." "I'm sure some people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives. I don't think that's helpful to me," she said, in preparing for Game 3 at Minnesota on Saturday. "If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job and doing what I am proud of, and the things I'm supposed to be doing, then that may be it. But, yeah, I'm not too worried about it." Curl-Salemme's transition from winning three NCAA titles at Wisconsin to the professional ranks hasn't gone smoothly. She's gained a polarizing reputation for her physical style, which has drawn three suspensions this season, and for her on-line support of transphobic messaging, for which she apologized in a video post days after being drafted in the second round in June. As much as Curl-Salemme, from Bismarck, North Dakota, has hoped to move forward, the booing crowd in Ottawa — she was loudly heckled while conducting a TV interview between periods coming off the ice — was a stark reminder. "I can't really speak to the reasons behind it or anything," Curl-Salemme said. "I'm sure it's annoying as hell being an opponent or being an opposing fan, the style that I play. I kind of try to embrace that, obviously, to a certain point," she added. "I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me." While relishing her role as an on-ice pest, Curl-Salemme acknowledged being challenged adapting her style to stay within the rules. "I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's never my intention," she said. "But I think it's going to take a little bit of maturity in my game and just figuring out how to play that way." The comments were among Curl-Salemme's first since posting her apology nearly a year ago. "I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that," she said. "I've learned so much through this, and I'm seeing it as an opportunity to grow in humility and grow in love," she added. "To those of you who may still have reservations, I hope you can extend me the grace to prove to you who I really am." Curl-Salemme's social media activity and getting drafted by Minnesota reignited criticism of the franchise at a time the inaugural Walter Cup champions were dealing with questions over why the PWHL abruptly removed Natalie Darwitz as general manager. Without getting into specifics, league vice president Jayna Hefford explained an internal investigation determined a change was necessary because "there wasn't a path forward with the current personnel in place." The attention then turned to coach Ken Klee for overseeing the draft and selecting Curl-Salemme in light of her posts. Klee defended the decision in drafting the two-year Wisconsin captain by saying the team did its homework in consulting her coaches and teammates. The shadow of controversy, however, has followed her since in PWHL circles, even as Curl-Salemme has maintained her role playing for the U.S. national team and won gold at the world championships last month. She finished the regular season tied for sixth on the Frost with 15 points (nine goals, six assists), while also ranking second on the team with 24 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, she's tied for the team lead with three goals. And she leads the league with 15 penalty minutes, all stemming from her drawing a one-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Toronto defenseman Renata Fast in Game 1 of Minnesota's semifinal series. Klee on Friday credited Curl-Salemme for keeping her cool and holding her ground in front of the net while being cross-checked before scoring the tying goal. "It's not easy to do, especially in hostile environments that we play in," Klee said. "But it's a huge credit to her and how focused she can remain, and stay calm in that moment and be able to finish." Curl-Salemme was rewarded in the locker room afterward in being presented with a Frost belt in honor of being the game MVP. She responded by saying: "I just have one message: Minnesota Frost versus the world." Nothing personal, Curl-Salemme said regarding her message. "It feels like all that matters is what's in the locker room and our staff and our organization," she said. "It's going to take the people in the room. So I think that was the main message is there's people trying to stop us, and we're going to try to push through."
