The History Behind Women’s Hockey + How the Sport Has Gained More Traction Today

Main image courtesy of Team USA Hockey.

Beginnings of Women's Hockey

The first report about a women's hockey game was published in the Ottawa Citizen on February 11, 1891, and a year later, in Barrie, Ontario, another report appeared in the paper. The first women's club team was formed at Kingston's Queen's University, and the group, known as the Love-me-littles, made its own history. The team's name became Morning Glories, and this eventually led to the development of the sport at Canadian universities.

The first women's hockey team in the US on the other hand was formed by Brown University in 1966, and they were called the Pembroke Pandas. This event paved the way for other universities in the country to form teams during the 1970s.

In the US, a major development back in 2017 occurred that threatened the upcoming Women's World Championships in Plymouth. The members of the team, who had been complaining about their treatment, threatened to boycott the event if they weren't given better contracts. However, after a last-ditch effort by USA Hockey, the team was able to secure a gold medal.

The U.S team then stepped up again two years later. After the CWHL in Canada folded, the players in the US, as well as other European countries, were left without a league. This is when they decided to form the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association (PWHPA).

The International Ice Hockey Federation, or the IIHF, helped the game grow by expanding the Women's World Championship from eight to 10 teams in 2019. In 2019, Finland was able to reach the gold-medal game, where it lost to the US. Canada was then able to secure a bronze medal, which was the first time that the country had ever done so. In 2022, the organization announced that the tournament would be held every year, starting with the Olympics. This year, Sarah Nurse was featured on the cover of EA Sports alongside Trevor Zegras, an NHL player.

Transformation to Modern Day

The decade we're living in has seen a shift in the way professional women's hockey is conducted. In addition to the formation of the PWHL, other organizations such as the PWHPA are also working to address the issue of gender equality in the sport. The 2024 season of the league is a significant step toward establishing a more competitive environment for female athletes.

The growth of women's hockey has been attributed to the increasing number of young girls playing the sport, which is a great opportunity for parents and coaches to support and empower these athletes. With this sport, it's important to have the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed.

The need for structured competitions and leagues grew as the interest in the sport increased. Significant events, such as the NWHL and the WNHL, helped provide female athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills. In addition, the investments made in collegiate programs have led to more young girls taking up hockey.

Continuous Growth

The increasing media coverage has helped promote women's hockey, as audiences became more fascinated by the skills and determination of the athletes. The success of the players has been highlighted through various platforms, such as social media and ESPN. These platforms also allowed younger generations to see role models.

Corporate and institutional leaders are beginning to acknowledge the significance of elevating women's sports, and major sponsors have started investing in women's hockey leagues and forming partnerships that aim to promote development and growth. Supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and provide opportunities for female athletes is very important for sports to be viewed positively.

The future of women's hockey looks promising as the media and fans' increasing interest in the sport has resulted in more opportunities for talented individuals to be scouted and higher competition. Image courtesy of Detroit Free Press.

Barriers Still Remain

One of the main barriers to women's hockey is the lack of investment. Compared to men, they are less likely to receive funding, have fewer resources, and are not as visible. As more companies such as Nike and Adidas enter the market, the potential for more support for the sport looks promising.

Impact of Title IX

In sports, inclusion and diversity have become vital topics. Within women's hockey, these values have been embraced, allowing players from varying backgrounds to participate. This not only enriches the sport but also draws in more fans who may not have been interested in hockey otherwise.

When Title IX was implemented, it made it mandatory for educational institutions to provide equal opportunities for women and girls to participate in athletics, which led to a spike in the number of women's hockey teams in colleges and high schools. The law also required schools to provide them with the necessary resources and facilities to support their programs. This ensured that they could compete at a higher level.

One of the main provisions of Title IX was requiring schools to provide female and male athletes with equal opportunities to receive scholarships, which allowed more women to pursue careers in hockey at universities. The sport's visibility and recognition rose as a result of the increased number of women's hockey teams and the improved resources that it received.

Despite the slow development of the professional women's hockey league, Title IX has helped pave the way for more females to pursue careers in the sport. By providing them with the necessary experience and training, they can compete at the highest level.

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Most Dominant Teams in Women's Hockey

Check out some of the most popular teams across women's hockey and why they have been deemed so successful and influential for the sport!

1. Ottawa Charge

The Ottawa Charge is a professional hockey team that plays in the PWHL. It's a popular team due to its unique brand of hockey and the city's strong hockey culture. Its name, logo, and other associated elements, such as the kazoos, have also created a strong identity for its fans.

Key players:

• Brianne Jenner
• Emily Clark
• Gabbie Hughes

Average home attendance: 7,496

2. Minnesota Frost

The Minnesota Frost are regarded as one of the most popular teams in the PWHL, with performances that have been highlighted by their consecutive Walter Cup victories in 2024 and 2025. Their passionate fans and connection to the state of hockey have also contributed to their popularity.

Key players:

• Kendall Coyne Schofield
• Taylor Heise
• Lee Stecklein

Average home attendance: 7,138

3. Montreal Victoire

The Montreal Victoire is a professional women's hockey team based in Montreal, which is so popular due to its prominent roster featuring some of the best players in the league. The name of the team, which means "victory," is a nod to the city's history of winning hockey.

The team's debut in the Professional Women's Hockey League has sparked interest in the sport in Montreal. During its first season, the Victoire set attendance records, and the team's popularity has continued to grow. Image courtesy of Offside News.

Key players:

• Marie Phillip-Poulin
• Jennifer Gardiner
• Erin Ambrose

Average home attendance: 6,881

4. Toronto Sceptres

The Sceptres are regarded as one of the most popular teams in the PWHL, owing to their passionate fan base and the team's name, imagery, and excitement about the league's formation. Their dedicated followers are dedicated to supporting and advocating for the team.

The "Sceptres" team name suggests empowerment and leadership, which is aligned with its objective of promoting women's hockey and showcasing its skilled and powerful players. The Queen City's progressive social environment and history are also connected to the name.

Key players:

• Natalie Spooner
• Sarah Nurse
• Jesse Compher

Average home attendance: 3,912

5. Boston Fleet

The Boston Fleet is a popular team in women's hockey due to its talented roster and the passionate support it receives from its fans. The team also has a strong identity as a resilient unit that plays hard, hoping to someday play at the TD Garden to maintain their popularity.

The Boston area is known for its passionate hockey fans, and the attendance of the PWHL has also increased significantly in its first two seasons. The Fleet's strong fan base is a vital part of their appeal. Image courtesy of NESN.

Key players:

• Hilary Knight
• Alina Muller
• Amanda Pelkey

Average home attendance: 3,770

Any women's hockey fans out there? Which teams are your favorite to root for most?