Britta Curl-Salemme’s social media activity drew ire. PWHL fans won’t let her forget it

As the Professional Womens 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 Saturdays Game 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St.

Paul, Minn.But Curl-Salemme has also been met with a chorus of boos every time shes touched the puck in the best-of-five series, which began in Ottawa on Tuesday.Its fair to wonder: Is she the new leagues first-ever villain?Im sure people think that.

I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives.

I dont think thats helpful to me, Curl-Salemme said on Friday.

If thats the way it shakes out and Im doing my job and Im doing what Im proud of, and the things Im supposed to be doing, then that may be it.

But Im 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 PWHLs 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 Minnesotas 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.

https://t.co/4FEcik2frv Harrison Browne (@Hbrowne24) June 11, 2024I cant really speak to the reasons behind it, Curl-Salemme said when asked about why shes been met with such animosity throughout her rookie campaign.Curl-Salemme wasnt 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-Salemmes 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 Ive 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-Salemmes mix of skill and physicality has made her an important part of Minnesotas top-six as it tries to win a second straight PWHL championship.

But shes also been criticized throughout the season for crossing the line something that hasnt 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 Katerina Mrazova, 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 Canadas capital.Im sure its 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, Im sure thats part of it.

But thats 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) youve got to be able to find that line of, how do I stay in control and do it in a way thats not going to hurt my team or an opponent.Im never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid.

Thats obviously never the intention, but I think its 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-Salemmes teammates have stood behind her and said they are lucky to have her in the locker room.

On Thursday night, she was given the teams player-of-the-game belt to a rousing cheer.Minnesota Frost versus the world pic.twitter.com/VLzSrQYi2x x Minnesota Frost (@PWHL_Minnesota) May 23, 2025Frost coach Ken Klee credited Curl-Salemme for her ability to remain calm and deliver in hostile environments.

Curl-Salemme said the crowd reaction doesnt 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, Id rather play in front of a full crowd thats booing me than an empty one, she said.

That type of passion is really cool to see.

I cant control how they may feel towards me.I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something.

So its fun to go there.

Its fun to get a win too.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Minnesota Wild, NHL, Women's Hockey2025 The Athletic Media Company.

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