Curl-Salemme Embraces 'Villain' Role Amid Controversy in PWHL Playoffs
With the crowd's jeers echoing in her ears, Britta Curl-Salemme of the Minnesota Frost found a moment of triumph on the ice. In a pivotal playoff game against Ottawa, she scored a crucial goal with just 16 seconds left in regulation, pushing the match into overtime. Then, 16 minutes into the extra period, she netted the game-winner, securing a 2-1 victory and leveling the best-of-five Walter Cup Finals series.
When asked about her reputation as the PWHL's potential "villain," Curl-Salemme responded candidly during a Zoom call. "I'm sure some people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives," she stated, preparing for Game 3 at home. "If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job, then that may be it. But, yeah, I'm not too worried about it."
Transitioning from a three-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin to the professional arena has not been without its challenges for the 25-year-old from Bismarck, North Dakota. Her aggressive playing style has drawn scrutiny, resulting in three suspensions this season. Additionally, her past social media activity, which included transphobic messaging, led to an apology shortly after being drafted in June.
Despite her efforts to move forward, the hostile atmosphere in Ottawa served as a stark reminder of her polarizing presence. Heckled during a TV interview, Curl-Salemme acknowledged the crowd's reaction. "I can't really speak to the reasons behind it or anything," she said. "I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me."
While she embraces her role as an on-ice disruptor, Curl-Salemme recognizes the need to adapt her style within the rules of the game. "I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's never my intention," she explained. "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."
Her recent comments mark one of her first public statements since 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," 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."
The scrutiny surrounding Curl-Salemme intensified following her draft by Minnesota, coinciding with questions about the franchise's management changes. League vice president Jayna Hefford noted that an internal investigation prompted a shift in leadership due to a lack of direction with existing personnel.
Coach Ken Klee defended the decision to draft Curl-Salemme, emphasizing that the team conducted thorough research by consulting her coaches and teammates. Despite ongoing controversy, she continues to represent the U.S. national team and recently won gold at the world championships.
In the regular season, Curl-Salemme finished tied for sixth on the Frost with 15 points and second on the team with 24 penalty minutes. During playoffs, she leads her team with three goals and tops the league with 15 penalty minutes, including a suspension for an illegal hit in Game 1 of the semifinals.
Klee praised Curl-Salemme's composure under pressure after she scored the tying goal while being cross-checked. "It's not easy to do, especially in hostile environments," he remarked. "But it's a huge credit to her and how focused she can remain."
After her standout performance, Curl-Salemme received a Frost belt as game MVP. Her response was clear: "I just have one message: Minnesota Frost versus the world." She emphasized that her focus remains on her team and organization amidst external challenges.
"It feels like all that matters is what's in the locker room and our staff and our organization," she concluded. "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."
