Growth For Women’s Hockey

Photo Credit South Coast Women’s Hockey League

Given the growth of Women’s hockey throughout the world it’s finally nice to hear some new and exciting information regarding the growth of the Women’s game.

Having a Daughter who grew up playing hockey at a young age when everyone mentioned that young girls don’t play hockey because “it’s a game for boy’s” made on sense.

While the game has changed, say what you will  there is still a divide regarding sports and not just hockey but various other sports as well.

Earlier in the day I heard about a player being expelled from a tournament because they were hand picked as being “too good”?

You can’t always believe what you read but then the governing body of the sport gets involved you have to take it for being truthful.

The story goes as follows: Yesterday, our daughter, who is 12, in B division got banished from a tournament because she played one of her best games, against the HOSTING tournament team so while her team got to play other games, the hosting team decided she was benched for the rest… simply because… “she was the best player on the team” {good to note there were 3 other Team BC players.

So now that you think we don’t have a divide let’s move forward helping grow and promote young girls to play any and all sports that are no longer for boy’s or men alone!!Now we are hearing that a new professional hockey league will launch in January 2024 that will feature some of the world’s best and exciting women’s players. 

Information received is that Mark and Kimbra Walter as well as sports legend Billie Jean King, and Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) Governors Johanna and John Boynton made it official this past week.

Financially it will be supported directly by the Walters and will be led by board members including King, sports executive Ilana Kloss, and Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten.

It’s reported that they have acquired assets of the PHF and have been negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association that enables the new league to move forward.

As expected the league will take all necessary steps to feature the best women’s hockey players in the world to suit up.

Mark Walter mentioned “I have always believed that professional sports should bring the highest levels of performance and organization, and this new league will have the backing and resources it needs to represent the very best of women’s hockey.” 

It should be known that he is the controlling owner of the Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, co-general partner of the ownership group of the Premier League’s Chelsea Football Club and holder of a significant interest in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to advance women’s sports,” said King. “I have no doubt that this league can capture the imagination of fans and a new generation of players. I want to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter for their vision and commitment to investing in women’s sports.”

Johanna Boynton mentioned “The PHF has been a game-changer and catalyst for growth in the women’s professional game and today’s announcement builds on this foundation, represents a shared vision for one new league, and reaffirms our belief that collective and collaborative leadership is in the best interest of women’s professional hockey.”

“This new league will be unlike anything we have seen in women’s hockey,” said Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and PWHPA lead, Jayna Hefford. “I am inspired by this generation of players who are redefining the sport. We will create dreams and opportunities for girls and women around the world for decades to come.”

Traveling around various areas we are hearing that many think and feel this is a major step moving forward, but are extremely skeptical in drawing fans to support the new league.

There is no doubt that this is long overdue in growing the sport but I continue to hear some ask why the stands are partially full when major games are being played and viewed on TV.

One has to ask why they don’t put all the fans or spectators on one side of the building so as to make it look like they have a sell-out for the games?

 “This effort is the most significant development in our game since women’s ice hockey became an Olympic sport 25 years ago,” said Carey. “Players, fans, past pioneers, and future generations deserve to see the best athletes come together to elevate professional women’s hockey as never before.”