As the inaugural season of the PWHL starting on New Year's Day, all eyes are on Kendall Coyne Schofield, the former U.S. captain and three-time Olympian, who is set to redefine her career with the Minnesota team.

Schofield, 31, will be balancing motherhood and professional hockey, a sport where her return was once questioned.

“When I first announced my pregnancy, the first comment that I got out of a majority of people’s mouths were, `Oh, so you’re retiring,’” she said, as reported by John Wawrow of the Associated Press. “I’m 31 years old and I would argue I’m still in the prime of my career.”

Schofield's journey is not just about her comeback but also about her role as a mother. She is especially excited to share her professional journey with her son, Drew.

“It will definitely be really special to look back at pictures with him and explain the journey he was on for the first few years of his life,” she said.

The PWHL's commitment to assisting new mothers, such as providing a nanny for players' children through their first birthday, is a groundbreaking move. This support was a lifeline for Schofield, who faced anxiety about her value as a player post-pregnancy.

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“It was definitely nerve-wracking…I don't know if anyone will still value me or see me like the player I was before I got pregnant,” she said.

The response from the league and her peers, however, has been overwhelmingly positive. Natalie Darwitz, Minnesota’s general manager, echoes the sentiment of adaptation and change.

“I think, as a society, we have to scrub our brains. This isn’t an either-or. This isn’t, something has to give. It’s how do we adapt?” Darwitz said.

Minnesota's first game is set for Jan. 3 against Boston.