Breaking the Ice: Women’s Hockey is Making History
Introduction
Women’s hockey is making history. With the growth of the women’s game around the world, it is no longer just a man’s sport. Women’s hockey is now being played at the highest levels, with professional leagues, including the NWHL and the CWHL. In this article, we will take a look at the history of women’s hockey, its growth, and its future.
History of Women’s Hockey
Women’s hockey has been around for over a century, with the first recorded game being played in Ottawa, Canada in 1892. The game was slow to catch on, and it wasn’t until the 1920s and 30s that the popularity of women’s hockey began to grow. The first Canadian Women’s Hockey Championship was held in 1921, and by 1933, there were more than 20 women’s teams in Canada.
However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the women’s game really took off. In 1987, the first IIHF Women’s World Championship was held in Ontario, Canada, with four teams competing. Since then, the number of teams competing has grown to 10, with the tournament being held annually.
Growth of Women’s Hockey
Women’s hockey has come a long way since its beginnings. Today, there are more than 250,000 registered female players worldwide. In Canada, women’s hockey is the fastest-growing sport, with more than 80,000 registered female players. The United States also has a strong women’s program, with over 75,000 registered players.
In addition to the growth of players, women’s hockey has seen an increase in the number of opportunities available. In 1990, the first NCAA Division I women’s hockey team was established, and since then, the NCAA has grown to include 41 teams. The NWHL was established in 2015, and the CWHL has been operating since 2007.
Not only are there more opportunities for women to play at the highest levels, but there are also more opportunities for women to be involved in coaching, officiating, and administration. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has made a commitment to increasing the number of female officials, and there are now over 200 women registered as officials worldwide.
Future of Women’s Hockey
The future of women’s hockey looks bright. With the growth of the game around the world and the increasing opportunities available, there is no doubt that women’s hockey will continue to thrive.
In 2022, Beijing will host the Winter Olympics, and women’s hockey will take center stage. The women’s tournament will feature 10 teams, including the United States, Canada, and the host country, China.
In addition to the Olympics, there is also a movement to establish a professional women’s hockey league in North America. The NWHL and CWHL have provided important opportunities for elite female players, but both leagues face financial challenges. A single, sustainable professional league would provide a platform for female players to earn a living while playing the sport they love.
Conclusion
Women’s hockey is making history. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to the present day, the growth of the women’s game has been extraordinary. With the increasing number of opportunities available, the future looks bright for women’s hockey. As we look forward to the 2022 Olympics and beyond, we will continue to see the impact of women’s hockey on the world stage.