The Minnesota Whitecaps, which formed in 2004 and has been an independent team since the dissolution of the Western Women’s Hockey League, has joined the National Women’s Hockey League and will start play there for the 2018-19 season.

The NWHL, founded in 2015, now has five teams. The league had its 2018 All-Star Weekend in St. Paul.

“Minnesota is an essential part of women’s hockey in North America,” says Dani Rylan, commissioner and league founder. “When you consider all of the talenbted players in this area and the passion this community has for the game, the Whitecaps are going to be incredible on and off the ice.”

Gov. Mark Dayton and several local hockey legends attended the official announcement Tuesday. Dayton says “I look forward to cheering as they win the Isobel Cup next year.”

The team will initially be owned by the league. Whitecaps alumni include Angela Ruggiero, Julie Chu and Natalie Darwitz.