Public Skating

Liz Schepers has a knack for game-winners. Not just game-winners, but title-winners.

The Mound native clinched the Walter Cup for the Minnesota Frost in back-to-back seasons, most recently in a 2-1 overtime thriller against the Ottawa Charge.

“Pressure is a privilege,” Schepers explained. “So I wouldn’t say I felt the pressure in a negative way, but was more honored to be trusted on the ice in those situations.

“I’m just happy I could help the team win.”

We caught up with the two-time Cup champ as she heads into the offseason about growing up in Minnesota, small towns and big victories.

Minnesota Hockey: First things first, congratulations on adding another ring – is there any room in that trophy case of yours?

Liz Schepers: (Laughs) I’ve got quite a few rings now, which is pretty cool. I’ve got them all at my place; two WCHA tournaments, NCAA National Championship (with Ohio State in 2022) and now two Walter Cups, so it’s been a crazy couple of years.

They’re all special in their own kind of ways. I think I have stories from each of those seasons and in each of those runs that makes them unique or significant in different ways. 

MH: Let’s go back to youth hockey. You played at Mound. How much did that community play a role in where you are today?

Schepers: It played a huge role. I was so lucky to grow up in Minnesota and being able to play at home with my friends for so long. I played for Mound from the time I was 5 years old until I graduated high school. So that’s a huge part of who I am, and the opportunities I’ve gotten. Now, just being able to reconnect with the girls and the community since being back in Minnesota, and reintegrate into that program has been really special.

MH: There’s just something special about those small-town hockey communities in Minnesota...

Schepers: It really is. I think coming from a smaller school in a smaller town, you always hear about people leaving and going to private schools or trying to find their way into other programs. But you know what, you can be successful exactly where you are if you surround yourself with the right people and are really committed to it.

One of my favorite sayings is, "Bloom where you’re planted." It’s true. You don’t have to be looking for something bigger and better. You can make it wherever you want to go.

MH: What kept you grounded during those times you might have been tempted to "go bigger?"

Schepers: My family for sure. I had people that were close to me that left for different schools, but it was never anything that interested me or my family. It was always very simple: this is where you go to school, this is where you grow up, this is where you play. And I had a really great group of girls around me where we kind of stuck together through it all. And it made my experience that much more rewarding when we did have success, to look around and see you did it with the people that you really cared about.

MH: I bet you're still in touch with those teammates.

Schepers: Oh, yeah. My phone was blowing up after we won (the Walter Cup) again. It was really cool.

MH: Were they asking how you managed to score the championship winners in both years?

Schepers: (Laughs) It’s pretty crazy. I’m really lucky to be on a team that has the depth that we have, because I do think that just sets us apart the last two years on these championship runs and obviously provides me and my linemates the opportunity to impact the games. I’m just really lucky to play in big moments all growing up and through my college experience. I think that experience helps and gets me in a better mindset going into those games with the confidence to make plays.

MH: Final parting words to other players in those big moments?

Schepers: There’s 25 of you feeling the same thing. Sure, we might feel the pressure as individuals, but it’s a team. At the end of the day, it’s a team sport. And nobody can go out there and do it by themselves. So, know that in the good moments, and in the bad, people are going to have your back. Believe in yourself and trust in the team and it will all work out.