Women’s Hockey Growing

The growth of Women’s hockey in Canada and around the world continues to grow with huge numbers and shocks several leagues or associations.

The program has undergone a huge downfall in the past few weeks only due to various sponsors pulling out as well as the team from Buffalo.

Now we are hearing that the Women hockey players recently announced the creation or formation of a new players Association setting their main priority or goal to form either a single and united league.

Recently several players that include over 200 which include Marie-Philip Poulin, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Hilary Knight, Shannon Szabados, Amanda Kessel, Brianna Decker, Brianne Jenner, and Noora Raty from the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association stated they would pull out and “go it alone” for the betterment of the sport.

Olympic Gold Medallist Coyne Schofieldsaid mentioned to the media “We are fortunate to be ambassadors of this beautiful game and it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of players have more opportunities than we had.”

She continued to mention “It’s time to stand together and work to create a viable league that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of our hard work.”

The organization and/or group have promised (so we are hearing) to work hard and diligent with all business groups and/or individuals who have supported women’s hockey in the past.

Their focus is set to push for a business model that is unique for all involved and offers various incentivizes that focus on various training programs for young female athletes, infrastructure as well as having a health insurance to guarantee a sustainable future for the sport.

Canadian “tender” Szabados mentioned to the media “We know we can make this work and we want a chance to try.”

The National Women’s Hockey League was the only Professional Women’s Hockey League in North America following the official demise May 1st of the CWHL that had lost the aid or assistance of multiple NHL teams.

Sabres owner Kim Pegula pulled his control of the Buffalo Beauts earlier in May and the New Jersey Devils were close to ending their relationship with the Metropolitan Rivers.

As one would expect would happen the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned to the surprise of no one that the league would not intervene with any existing women’s league.

Following word that the CWHL would fold NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned “What we have said is, if there’s no opportunity for women to play professional hockey, then we would explore what would make sense or might be appropriate.”

He continued “But by the same token, I didn’t want to be presumptuous or be even bully-like and say we’re going to start a league and put them out of business. I didn’t think that was appropriate.”

The NHL Players’ Association did however mention that they showed support for the #Forthegame movement, saying it was “encouraged that the players are taking a more active role in the future of women’s professional hockey.”

The PWHPA has members from Canada, the United States and Europe.