Minnesota Whitecaps win NWHL opener

The Minnesota Whitecaps won in their National Women's Hockey League debut on Saturday, shutting out the visiting Metro Riveters of New Jersey 4-0.

The Whitecaps opened NWHL play in front of a sold-out crowd at the Tria Rink in downtown St. Paul, and against the defending league champion Riveters. Minnesota's Katie McGovern kicked off the scoring in the first period with a power-play goal on an assist from Jonna Curtis.

Hannah Brandt added a goal in the second period, and Kate Schipper gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead early in the third. Kendall Coyne Schofield added a short-handed empty-net goal late in the third to close out the scoring.

Goalie Amanda Leveille had 19 saves for the Whitecaps, who play the Riveters again on Sunday afternoon.

The Whitecaps, which previously operated as an independent team, started skating in 2004. The NWHL is starting its fourth season.

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