Women’s ice hockey is a national event that has been overlooked for decades. NHL players are being paid millions while women’s hockey players fight for a livable salary. However, this narrative is starting to change with the creation of a new professional league for women.
The PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) is currently in its inaugural season, which started on January 1, 2024, and will conclude on May 5, 2024 (pwhl.com). The league consists of six teams from the United States and Canada – Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, New York, Boston, and Minnesota. The first PWHL season will consist of 72 regular-season games, followed by playoffs on May 6.
Let’s rewind to the origins of this league’s formation. The PWHLPA, or Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association, is the labor union formed in February 2023 to protect the rights and salaries of women’s hockey players through the formation of a new league, the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) (pwhlpa.com). This league is committed to providing female hockey players with the opportunity to pursue long-lived careers in professional ice hockey (pwhlpa.com). Each team is required to pay at least six of their players a minimum salary of $80,000, and a minimum annual base salary of $35,000 (puckpath.com). Each team has a player that represents them on the board of directors for the PWHLPA union to ensure the protection of their teammates. Ramapo sophomore and hockey player Elle Pothacamury says, “I think that the PWHL organization is amazing considering where pro women’s hockey started. And it’s only going to get better from there as it is drawing in so many people.” Additionally, Mr. Russo, Ramapo engineering teacher and Assistant Coach of Ramapo’s Hockey team comments, “Hockey is the coolest game on earth! High-speed movement, quick reactions, and top-shelf cellys create an attractive, all-inclusive atmosphere.” The truth is, hockey is for everyone, not just men. Women’s hockey is continuing to grow and becoming recognized for its talented athletes.
On February 16, 2024, the attendance record for a women’s hockey game was broken, with a total of 19,285 people packed in Scotiabank Arena for the Montreal vs. Toronto game (hockeywriters.com). After years of struggle, women’s hockey is finally getting the attention it deserves. PWHL games can be streamed on MSG, NESN, and Bally Sports. Tune in for the last month of the regular season before playoffs!
Works Cited:
https://thehockeywriters.com/pwhl-toronto-win-montreal-february-16-2024/
