Hensley enjoying PWHL ride in Minnesota as Lakewood native excited to keep growing game

Nicole Hensley has been a part of the last two PWHL championships with the Minnesota Frost.

And as the PWHL continues to grow in popularity and expand across the United States, the Lakewood native is thrilled to be a part of history.

“It has been a pretty surreal the last two seasons with this group,” said Hensley, who grew up playing for the Foothills Flyers and Colorado Select organizations. “I think over the past two seasons we’ve shown a lot of resilience. It’s a long season and I think we’ve done a good job of not getting too high or too low throughout the roller coaster ride. We’ve found a way to come together as a group during difficult times and that has made the wins even sweeter.”

Last season, the PWHL Takeover Tour featured games at Ball Arena in Denver, including a matchup between the Frost and Montreal Victoire on January 12, 2025, a game the Frost won 4-2 in front of more than 14,000 fans.

“Playing a pro hockey game in Denver was a dream come true for me,” said Hensley, who also played four years at NCAA Division I Lindenwood and twice on the U.S. Olympic Team in 2018 and 2022. “Being in the arena that I grew up going to Avs games in was so cool. I knew Denver would show up for that game and I’m excited the city has two more chance to do so this season. Hopefully, it shows how great a city Denver would be for a future PWHL team.”

This season, Arvada native Peyton Anderson is a second Colorado native on the Frost roster.

A three-time winner of the Colorado Sportswoman of the Year award (2013-15) and a member of the Colorado Sportswomen Hall of Fame since 2015, Hensley said the 2026 PWHL season is one of optimism and positivity.

“With the expansion, we have a bit of a new look this season and I’m excited for our group,” said Hensley. “At the end of the day, it’s about consistency. Every team in this league can win every night, which is what makes the season such a grind. I’m excited to play in the new markets.”

Moving forward, Hensley feels girls and women’s hockey in Colorado has grown over the years and she is honored to have been a part of that.

“I think the visibility of our league has helped move the women’s and girls’ game forward,” Hensley said. “We’ve always said if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. For the games to be easily streamed on YouTube and the success of the Takeover Tour games, we aren’t just seeing success in the eight markets that have teams, but all across the U.S. and Canada. The Tour games allow us to take our product to new markets and have a lasting impact in those cities. It shows our commitment to growing the game.

“I think in Colorado, the growth is obvious. When I was growing up, there was one girls association to play for. Now, girls have options. It is such a good time to be a young female athlete in Colorado as the excitement around the Summit grows and the PWHL continues to value Denver as a Tour market.”

Photo/PWHL