Taylor Heise

Taylor Heise Bio

Taylor Heise is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She played college ice hockey at the University of Minnesota, where she won the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award in 2022. Heise is also a member of the United States national team and was drafted first overall in the 2023 PWHL Draft, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Early Life and Background

Taylor Heise was born on March 17, 2000, in Lake City, Minnesota. Growing up in a state known for its strong hockey culture, Heise was exposed to the sport at a young age. She attended Red Wing High School, where she excelled in hockey, earning recognition as a four-time USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA honoree. In her senior year, she achieved remarkable statistics, recording 58 goals and 25 assists in just 24 games. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of the 2018 USA Today High School Sports All-USA Girls Hockey Player of the Year and the Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award.

Path to Hockey

Heise began her collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2018–19 season. In her freshman year, she made an immediate impact, scoring 13 goals and providing 22 assists in 39 games. She led her team with 147 shots on goal and was recognized for her contributions by being named to the WCHA All-Rookie team. Over the next few years, Heise continued to develop her skills and became a key player for the Gophers, achieving numerous accolades along the way.

Taylor Heise Career

Early Career (2017–2021)

Heise’s early career was marked by her impressive performance at the collegiate level. During her sophomore year, she recorded 18 goals and 25 assists in 36 games, earning a spot on the All-WCHA Third Team. The following season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but she still managed to contribute significantly to her team. In her senior year, Heise led the NCAA in scoring with 66 points, including 29 goals and 37 assists in 39 games. Her remarkable achievements during this season included being named the WCHA Offensive Player of the Year and winning the Patty Kazmaier Award.

Breakthrough (2022–Present)

Heise’s breakthrough came during her final years at the University of Minnesota, where she consistently ranked among the top players in the NCAA. In the 2021–22 season, she became the first player in program history to surpass 60 points in a season since Dani Cameranesi. Her performance earned her multiple honors, including first-team All-WCHA and CCM/AHCA First-Team All-American. In her graduate student year, Heise continued her success, leading the NCAA in goals and earning recognition as WCHA Forward of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Notable Works and Milestones

Heise’s signature achievements include winning the Patty Kazmaier Award and being named the Best Forward and Tournament MVP at the IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2022. Her contributions to her teams have been pivotal in securing championships and accolades.

Taylor Heise Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Taylor Heise has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in hockey, particularly during her collegiate years.

Taylor Heise Awards Won

Taylor Heise has won several prestigious awards, including the Patty Kazmaier Award and multiple honors from the WCHA for her exceptional contributions to women’s hockey.