PWHL Minnesota draft pick Britta Kahl has posted an apology to hockey fans after facing criticism for her social media activity.
The University of Wisconsin graduate was selected by PWHL Minnesota in the second round of the PWHL Draft on Monday, and while she is known as a solid player and leader on the ice, her selection drew immediate backlash from fans in the stands and online.
This comes after Karl liked posts on social platform X (formerly Twitter), some of which appear to support the exclusion of transgender women in sports and anti-transgender messaging.
She also appeared to support conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines. She liked a post announcing the “not guilty” verdict for Kyle Rittenhouse, who killed two people and injured another during protests in Wisconsin following the police killing of Jacob Blake, a Black man.
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As of Wednesday, X has stopped allowing users to see posts that other users have liked.
Hockey journalist Ian Kennedy told MPR News earlier this week that the Karl controversy, along with the recent scandal at the PWHL Minnesota, could loom large over the future of the league. The PWHL just finished its inaugural season. On Friday night, Karl appeared on The X again to express his regret.
“My social media activity has hurt entire communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people, and I simply want to apologize and take responsibility,” Karl said in the video. “I have family and very close friends who are part of these communities and I love them very much.”
Karl said he was honored to be drafted and hopes to better showcase his character to PWHL fans.
“I have played with countless teammates over the years who had different personalities, religions, politics and lifestyles, but we have always maintained a mutual respect and love for one another, and I believe my former teammates, coaches and staff would agree that this is how I should conduct myself in and out of that locker room,” Karl said.
Karl added that the controversy had been an “opportunity for humility and love.”
Also on Friday night, the PWHL released its first statement since the draft controversy.
“Our commitment remains the same: to build an inclusive league that develops, supports and elevates the best women's hockey players in the world, while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our growing, diverse and passionate fan base.”
