Britta Curl-Salemme Bio
Britta Curl-Salemme (née Curl; born March 20, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the United States women’s national ice hockey team. She played college ice hockey at the University of Wisconsin, where she won three national championships and established herself as a prominent player in women’s hockey.
Early Life and Background
Britta Curl-Salemme was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Bill and Gretchen Curl. She grew up in a family that supported her athletic pursuits, having two brothers, Byrne and Cullen, and one sister, Brenna, who also plays hockey. Curl attended St. Mary’s Central High School, a private Catholic school in her hometown, where she likely began to hone her skills in ice hockey. Her early exposure to the sport set the foundation for her future career in professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
Curl began her collegiate hockey career with the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2018–19 season. She quickly made an impact, scoring her first career goal on October 5, 2018, in a game against Mercyhurst. Her performance earned her recognition as the WCHA Rookie of the Week shortly thereafter. Throughout her freshman season, she recorded 22 goals and 11 assists, helping the Badgers secure the National Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. Curl’s early achievements in college hockey included being named WCHA Player of the Week and establishing herself as one of the top scorers among freshmen.
Britta Curl-Salemme Career
Early Career (2018–2024)
During her time at the University of Wisconsin, Curl continued to excel on the ice. In her sophomore season, she recorded 16 goals and nine assists, despite the season being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By her junior year, she had been named an alternate captain and contributed significantly to the team’s success, helping them win another national championship. Curl’s leadership qualities became evident as she served as captain during her senior season, where she achieved a career-high of 62 points, including 22 goals and 40 assists.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Curl’s professional career began when she was drafted in the second round, ninth overall, by PWHL Minnesota in the 2024 PWHL Draft. She signed a two-year contract with the team on June 21, 2024. In her rookie season, she made a notable impact by scoring nine goals and six assists in 28 regular season games, tying for third in rookie scoring. Her performance during the 2025 PWHL playoffs was pivotal, as she scored three goals in eight games, contributing to the Frost’s victory in the Walter Cup.
Notable Works and Milestones
Curl’s signature achievements include her gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championships, where she recorded four goals and four assists. Her collegiate career culminated in three national championships with the Wisconsin Badgers, solidifying her status as a top player in women’s hockey.
Britta Curl-Salemme Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Britta Curl-Salemme has received recognition for her outstanding performance on the ice, including various nominations for collegiate and professional awards, reflecting her impact in women’s hockey.
Britta Curl-Salemme Awards Won
Curl has achieved significant accolades, including a gold medal at the IIHF World Women’s U18 Championships in 2018 and multiple national championships during her collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Britta Curl-Salemme Family
Britta Curl-Salemme is married to Andrew Salemme, a former wrestler for the Wisconsin Badgers. The couple tied the knot on September 7, 2024. Curl’s family has been supportive of her athletic endeavors, contributing to her success in sports.
Personal Life
Curl has been open about her experiences and challenges as a professional athlete. She has faced some controversy regarding her social media activity, which has sparked discussions about inclusivity and representation in sports. Despite this, she continues to focus on her career and contributions to women’s hockey.
