explore minnesota | minnesota outdoors | hockey hair not included | taylor heise, forward for the minnesota frost, suited up and on the ice

interview with taylor heise

If you haven’t heard the name Taylor Heise yet, it’s time to get familiar. From outdoor hockey rinks in Lake City to being the first overall pick in the 2023 PWHL Draft, she’s a forward for the two-time Walter Cup Champions — the Minnesota Frost. Before going pro, she set and now shares the record for the most games played in Minnesota Gophers history. On top of that, she’s brought home a gold and two silver medals with Team USA at the IIHF Women’s World Championships, adding to the three golds she won at the Under-18 level. Simply put, Taylor knows her way around the ice. And if you’re looking for solid skating advice and a peek into Minnesota’s hockey culture, you won’t want to miss this interview.

Taylor and close ones with the Walter Cup

what does minnesota claiming to be the “state of hockey” mean to you?

It means there’s a rink in just about every town and the hockey community is close-knit. Minnesota supports the game more than anything I’ve ever seen and I don’t think I would be the player I am without living in the State of Hockey. The overwhelming love for the sport is shown at every Minnesota game that I’ve played in.

Taylor talking to someone off camera in the locker room. She's sitting on the bench with her skates crossed. Pads, water, and ice can be seen.

what makes minnesota’s hockey culture special compared to other places you’ve played?

People from Minnesota watching hockey are knowledgeable about what the game is really about. The connection between fans is deeper that way. That’s not always the case with fans elsewhere.

Frost fans are the best in the league and there is no doubt in my mind about it! Our fans show us so much love, even in the hard times. We understand as a team that things won’t be perfect, but we hope our fans understand how much we love the game and that we work to make every day better. The vibe at our games is amazing. I love when I see on the big screen little kids, and women and men singing to the songs and having a good time.

take the pressure off – skating should always be fun.

what’s your best advice for adults who might feel nervous about learning to skate or picking it back up again years later?

Find a rink with limited people, so you can take your time getting comfortable. Remember, metal skating assist trainers and folding chairs aren't just for kids - use them if you need to steady yourself. Thinking of it as a kid’s activity helps me sometimes when I’m in a rut. Skating is such a free feeling. It can really help bolster creativity and make happy memories or bring back old ones! Take the pressure off - it should always be fun.

what preparations do you recommend for casual outdoor skating?

Always make sure your skates are sharpened! It might sound obvious, but being on an ODR (outdoor rink) without sharp blades is tough. Dressing warm, but also making sure you’re going to be comfortable outside, is a big thing for me.

Taylor at a young kid smiling with full hockey gear on while holding her stick on an outdoor ice rink.

do you have a favorite place to go ice skating in minnesota?

I do love the Lake City rink where I grew up! Honestly, I like any small community-based rink because you can tell people put love into it.

how did growing up in minnesota influence your professional hockey path?

Growing up I saw so many amazing athletes in this state. That made it easy to lock in and truly believe it was a path I could take. My family sacrificed a lot for me to be the player and person I am, but the good thing about Minnesota is that there are hockey rinks all over. I didn’t feel the need to leave my home state to stay competitive. I skated on the pond outside my house, as well as the community outdoor rink in Lake City - that’s where I found my love for the game.

Taylor in the Frost's purple, lavender and white uniform, ready for the face off during a game.

what makes winter special in minnesota?

Well for one, we get a lot of snow. I think the snow is beautiful and gorgeous and makes playing a little bit of outdoor rink hockey even more special. Growing up in Minnesota, I've always loved winter. Everything this time of year feels magical with snow.

do you have any other favorite things to do in winter?

I love going on drives to see the Christmas lights around town. I also love to bake and cook during the winter. It’s always a good time to make comfort food!

Taylor in action during a Frost game. Still leads to a social reel from a fan's perspective.

FEEL THE FREEZE

what is it about hockey that keeps you coming back to the ice?

It’s really the inconsistencies of it. Going into a hockey game, you can’t prepare for everything. You don’t run specific sets like you can in basketball or volleyball. Sure, you have plays, but in hockey, so many things are up in the air. And that’s what makes it so fun! It really accepts players who are creative and can adapt quickly.

Taylor turned away from the camera, talking to a teammate on the ice in between plays during a Frost game.

what are you most looking forward to this frost season?

I think this is going to be a learning year for us. Having the league expand is how the game of hockey is going the grow, but as a team it’s important to stick together and make the most out of every opportunity we get!

FIND YOUR POWER PLAY THIS WINTER

catch a home game >>

Dec. 19 v Boston Fleet
Jan. 11 v Seattle Torrent
Jan. 21 v Montréal Victoire
Jan. 25 v New York Sirens
Jan. 28 v Vancouver Goldeneyes
March 13 v Seattle Torrent
March 18 v Ottawa Charge
March 25 v Montréal Victoire
March 29 v Boston Fleet
April 4 v Vancouver Goldeneyes
April 11 v New York Sirens
April 19 v Toronto Sceptres