Have you checked out the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) yet? If you haven’t, you should.
This first-ever all women’s professional paid hockey league officially debuted just last month (announcements were made back in April of this year) and has already been making history – not to mention new fans – along the way. The NWHL is comprised of four teams: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and the New York Riveters.
The women’s only league is off to a fast and action-packed start thanks to the rabid excitement from hockey fans everywhere (including us here at Perani’s!). Having help and support from the NHL is also playing a pivotal role in helping push the new league along and gain traction with fans and sponsors.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued this note of support from the NHL saying, “The National Hockey League supports the growth of women’s hockey at all levels. We wish the NWHL well as it presents the women’s game to a larger audience, provides outstanding female athletes an additional opportunity to compete at the professional level and inspires girls and women to strive for hockey excellence.”
The NWHL and their various partners have said they are excited to play an integral role in advancing the women’s game into the next natural progression of the sport. Here at Perani’s we’re just as eager to see these women make a difference in pursuing their dreams and excelling in their sport.
Need even more to get more pumped the NWHL? Check out this YouTube video of Hilary Knight of the NWHL’s Boston Pride (and member of the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey team) where she takes us on her personal journey of shattering stereotypes of female body image and proving that hockey isn’t just for “the guys.” This clip is just one of the many stories showcasing how hard these athletes have to fight to play, and be paid, for their sport.
Knight also led the way for Team USA with two goals (including the game-winner) in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s recent 6-2 win over Sweden in its first game of the 2015 4 Nations Cup. Sweden had a powerful offense, including that of Hanna Olsson. At just 16-years-old, Olsson was the youngest player at the 4 Nations Cup.
Visit the NWHL’s website to see the full schedule of games, purchase tickets, and stay up-to-date with the latest team and league news.
And if we’re not already connected on Facebook, be sure to connect with us. We love talking about the NWHL and their up and coming stars as they quickly take the hockey world by storm. Whether it’s the NWHL, NHL or recreational hockey in your hometown, we love talking about all of it.
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