Minnesota Frost defenceman and New Minas native Mae Batherson joined emcee Len Hawley on the stage during the Acadia Axemen Hockey Celebrity Dinner June 19 in Wolfville. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentSeeing her name on signs in the stands at neutral-site games was a fun moment for Mae Batherson.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Wow,” Batherson remembers thinking, “you even know who I am out here. It was pretty cool.”Article contentArticle contentThe 24-year-old New Minas resident recently completed her rookie season with the Minnesota Frost, of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). As part of the league’s Takeover Tour, the six teams played nine games in neutral sites from January to March. The Frost played in Denver, Colo., and Releigh, N.C.Article contentArticle contentBatherson helped the Frost repeat as Walter Cup champs in the second-year league.Article content“To have the chance to play in the playoffs and for a Cup in my first year was pretty unreal.”Article content Mae Batherson of New Minas celebrates with the Walter Cup after the Minnesota Frost won the Professional Women’s Hockey League championship on May 26. Photo by Minnesota FrostArticle contentPlaying in the State of Hockey, Batherson said the Frost have a big fan base with young girls and boys looking up to the players, who often get autograph requests in public.Article content“I make sure I have a Sharpie in my pocket,” she said.Article contentBatherson, the daughter of Deeann and Norm Batherson, was a special guest at the Acadia Axemen Hockey Celebrity Dinner June 19 in Wolfville and joined emcee Len Hawley on the stage to answer a few questions.Article contentThe defenceman grew up playing in the Annapolis Valley with the goal of playing university hockey.Article content“For a long time that was … the best you could do.”Article contentShe accomplished that goal by playing four years at Syracuse University before finishing at St. Lawrence University, where she had 37 points in 39 games in 2023-24. Minnesota drafted her in the sixth round (33rd overall) in 2024.Article contentArticle content Nova Scotia’s Mae Batherson signed a two-year contract extension with the PWHL’s Minnesota Frost on Monday. Photo by PWHLArticle contentGrowing up, Batherson said she looked up to Blayre Turnbull and Jill Saulnier, Nova Scotians who have played key roles with the national team, as well as Allie Munroe. The Yarmouth native played minor hockey against Batherson’s brother, Drake, a forward with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.Article contentArticle content“I wanted to be like him,” she said.Article contentThe two, she added, were each other’s biggest supporters and pushed each other.Article content“I wouldn’t be where I am without my family,” she said to a round of applause.Article contentNorm, a North Sydney native, won a national title with the Axemen in 1993 and was inducted June 21 into the Northside Sports Hall of Fame in his hometown.Article content Norm Batherson went into the Northside Sports Hall of Fame as an athlete for his hockey career June 21. Photo by CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentIn her 25 games with the Frost, Batherson had three assists. She signed a two-year contract with the Frost on June 22.Article content“Mae integrated easily onto our blueline during her rookie season,” Minnesota general manager Melissa Caruso said in a news release. “She is quick and agile on the ice yet maintains poise under pressure in the D-zone. She has proven herself to be a valuable member of our team and we look forward to watching her role evolve over the next two seasons.”Article content
Mae Batherson enjoys rookie season of pro hockey in Minnesota
