There has never been a better year for women’s hockey.
Not even 1998, when I played in the first Olympic women’s tournament and helped bring home the gold for the United States.
This is better. Let me explain.
Last weekend I called the Frozen Four for ESPN — Wisconsin topped Ohio State University 3-2 in the final. The importance of college hockey can’t be overstated.
Every American and Canadian on their Olympic teams played NCAA hockey. It’s four years of training to prepare for a young pro league that is now crushing it in terms of attendance.
This year we are seeing all three parts of the game in the spotlight, NCAA hockey, Olympic and the pro game in the PWHL.
For me, I’m never sure if people are really talking more about hockey on social or if it’s my personal hockeyfied algorithm, but it really feels like the game is everywhere.
No publicity is bad publicity
You have the President stirring up controversy with a quip when he congratulated the men’s hockey team, but you know what that does? It stirs up the fans on the periphery, those who wanted to support the women in that moment, who wanted to pump them up.
And then these same fans show up. PWHL games are benefitting from a new wave of fans. The Sirens have already sold out Madison Square Garden for April 4. The World’s Most Famous Arena, the home of one of the Original Six NHL teams, the NY Rangers, is going to be packed to the rafters for women’s hockey.
Could I have imagined that when I was borrowing sock tape in 2010 playing for the Boston Blades? When we were practicing at 8pm because that’s when we could get leftover ice time?
It feels good to be in this moment.
Invest now
If you know anything about me, you know I want the data. What’s next? We need more visibility. I want to see women’s hockey close out the Olympics one day. In prime time as the main event.
We need more women in coaching. Better resourced teams. You want to know why Wisconsin is such a powerhouse? They have had premier facilities and recruit like crazy. Other teams are catching up. Ohio State especially.
ESPN went all in on the broadcast this year; great production in studio and a rinkside reporter.
I’ve always known this game could be huge. And now you can see it happening.
Best year, and we are still just getting started.
