Sat May 24 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Frost’s Curl-Salemme Embraces “Villain” Role as PWHL Finals Head to St. Paul**
**ST. PAUL, Minn.** – Britta Curl-Salemme, rookie center for the Minnesota Frost, is quickly becoming the PWHL’s version of a classic hockey villain, drawing boos and cheers in equal measure. After a contentious series in Ottawa, where fans targeted her due to her physical play and past social media activity, the Frost and their controversial star are heading home to the Xcel Energy Center with the Finals series tied 1-1.
Curl-Salemme responded to the Ottawa crowd in Game 2, scoring a dramatic tying goal with just 16 seconds left in regulation and then netting the overtime winner, securing a 2-1 victory for the Frost.
“Personally, I’d rather play in a full crowd that’s booing me than an empty one,” Curl-Salemme said, embracing the intense atmosphere. “That type of passion is really cool to see. I can’t control how they may feel towards me.”
The North Dakota native, who previously won an NCAA championship with Wisconsin, has a history of drawing scrutiny. She has served three separate one-game suspensions this season for illegal hits to the head and faced criticism for social media activity, leading to boos even at the PWHL draft in St. Paul last summer.
Despite the controversy, Frost coach Ken Klee praises Curl-Salemme’s skill and character. “She’s an outstanding player, outstanding person, outstanding teammate,” Klee said, highlighting her ability to rise above adversity and compete hard.
Curl-Salemme acknowledges the need to balance her physical style with discipline. “It has been tough at times,” she said. “I was excited just to play in a league that allows more physicality because it suits me. But it’s also about letting it go and holding you back a little bit. You have to find that fine line.”
As the PWHL Finals shift to St. Paul, all eyes will be on Curl-Salemme as she continues to navigate her role as both a game-changing player and a lightning rod for fan reactions.
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