Breaking the Ice: The Rise of Women’s Hockey
Written by Keyara Nelson
Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Michelle Jay on The Ice Garden
With the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)’s first season coming to a close last May, it is impossible to ignore the remarkable transformation that women’s hockey has undergone. A primarily male-dominated sport, women’s hockey has stepped - or rather skated - into the spotlight in the past year. Not only has this flourishing league given female hockey players a professional platform, but it has also captured the attention of hockey enthusiasts worldwide. The league is not only a testament to the skill and dedication of the competing players, it is also a representation of the broader movement towards gender equality in sports. A new era approaches, bringing unprecedented opportunities for all female athletes, including those walking the halls of our school.
The 2023 Draft
Witnessing the 2023 PWHL Draft, the inaugural draft for the league, was a monumental moment. Each selection represented a dream realized and a new chapter for women's hockey. The energy was palpable, and the significance of this historic event was felt by everyone watching, including myself. There were many recognizable names from the hockey world that were in this draft, such as Taylor Heise (1st overall), Natalie Spooner (23rd overall), and Nova Scotian players Jill Saulnier (40th overall) and Allie Munroe (50th overall). As I was growing up, women's hockey didn't have the same visibility or opportunities it has today. Watching this draft, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come. The draft represented the potential and talent that exists in women's hockey, and it is particularly important to acknowledge the Nova Scotian athletes that some of our SMU players may recognize.
Building a Legacy
The PWHL is not just about the present; it’s about building a legacy for future generations. The league has emphasized creating an environment where young girls can see their heroes play professionally, and the results are uplifting. Fans of hockey have rejoiced and expressed their excitement for this league all over social media, and the attendance at each game only serves to emphasize this point. According to the PWHL social media page, the league has broken 6 attendance records in women’s hockey after only one season! One notable statistic was the new all-time record for attendance at a women’s hockey game, which was a staggering 21,105; this was set on April 20 between PWHL Montréal and PWHL Toronto at the Bell Centre. The PWHL has far exceeded any expectations I had for the future of women's hockey, the league has visibly surpassed the achievements of previous women’s hockey leagues. I am excited for the legacy being built, and I am excited for young girls to have the opportunity to truly pursue a dream of playing professional hockey.
Saint Mary’s Women's Hockey: Our Future
The connection between the PWHL and U SPORTS teams like Saint Mary’s Women’s Hockey team is profound. Last May, the PWHL announced the 167 eligible hockey players that declared for the second annual PWHL draft. In the 2023-2024 season, 96 of the players were former collegiate athletes, including 61 from NCAA women's hockey programs and 35 from U SPORTS. In the Maritimes specifically, five players are coming directly from either the University of British Columbia, the University of Prince Edward Island, or, our very own, Saint Mary’s University. Miranda Hatt, a former assistant captain for SMU Women’s Hockey, comes straight out of a strong season with Saint Mary’s. She led the team with 13 goals and 12 assists, obtaining 25 points total over a span of 28 games played. As a member of the SMU Women’s hockey team, I have played my entire university career alongside Hatt. She is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and inspiring teammates that I have ever had. Hatt’s commitment to the game is unparalleled; she brought an intensity and passion to every practice and game that elevated the entire team. It was very exciting to watch her be recognized as a potential PWHL player, and I am confident that Hatt’s success inside and outside the world of hockey is only beginning.
In addition to the five Maritime U SPORT athletes who declared for the draft, another SMU athlete alumni was also named. A former assistant captain and a strong presence on the ice, Shae Demale also applied for the PWHL draft. In the time I watched her play, Demale always had an undeniable presence on and off the ice. She was a huge asset to the team, an incredible goal-scorer, and a great leader. Demale continued her hockey career after SMU in Europe, where she played for SDE Hockey in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). She was second on her team for points, obtaining 21 goals and 10 assists over 36 games. Her journey from SMU to professional hockey in Europe and now as a potential PWHL player is an inspiring story for all aspiring female hockey players.
The Road Ahead
As the PWHL continues to grow and flourish, it paves the way for women’s hockey to be celebrated and respected worldwide. The journey has just begun, and the excitement and momentum surrounding the sport promise an even greater future for not only female hockey players but for female athletes of all kinds. For all of the young girls and women who dream of a career in the field of sports, the PWHL is a massive success and a beacon of hope. I highly recommend watching a PWHL game in-person or online, they can be streamed live on TSN, at TSN.ca and/or the TSN app. And who knows? The next big star in the PWHL might be honing her skills right here at SMU. Be sure to check out a hockey game in the upcoming 2024-2025 season, and follow the SMU Women’s Hockey instagram and twitter!