Rec, club, academy, college. For decades, that was the pathway of Women’s hockey. Women couldn’t go to leagues such as the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, or even the NHL. Now, women can. They can play at the highest level in the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League). A dream long fought for finally became a reality for girls and women all around the world. The chance to finally play on the highest stage. Finally, girls and women can.
The PWHL inaugural season came to an end on May 29th with PWHL Minnesota winning the Walter Cup. This was the first time in PWHL history that this trophy was won. Minnesota deafted PWHL Boston in a 3-0 win, taking home the Walter Trophy. This was a truly inspiring and surreal moment for girls and women all around the world. A Tahoma High School freshman, Lizzie Williams, was fortunate enough to be in attendance when Minnesota hoisted the trophy.
When asked about her experience at a PWHL game for the first time, Williams had nothing but positive memories to share. “I loved it, the environment was like an NHL game and it was so much fun!”. Williams was also asked what winning the cup meant to her. “It means that women really can go places in hockey”. Williams was in Minnesota visiting family and was able to get last minute tickets before the game. When asked about the growth of women’s and girls hockey because of the PWHL, Williams says that she thinks strongly that the league is helping to grow the game. “Yes, because it’s showing younger girls that they can play professionally someday”. While Williams was in attendance, she was able to see her favorite PWHL player, Taylor Heise.
Heise has had a tremendous impact in the world of women’s and girls hockey. Heise got the opportunity to play all around the world. She’s competed in international tournaments as a part of the USA Women’s World Juniors team. Heise was also the captain of her college team, the University of Minnesota. Another Tahoma student, freshman Chloe Pearcy, says that her favorite player is also Taylor Heise. “My favorite PWHL team is Minnesota and I don’t really have a favorite player but I like Taylor Heise”. When asked what winning the cup meant to her, her response was very sentimental towards her childhood. “I’m really glad Minnesota won because I grew up there for a bit. Being the first Walter Cup winners is very special and I think they have a long road of wins ahead of them”.
When Pearcy was asked about her thoughts on how the PWHL is growing girls and women’s hockey, her response was very heartfelt. “I think the PWHL is definitely helping grow women’s hockey because it gives younger girls in hockey something to look forward to, like the boys have the NHL. It helps girls create a dream and an end goal, which can give them more motivation to stick with hockey and continue their passion”.
With the PWHL inaugural season cming to a close, it’s no surprise that this season was the most inspiring year for girls and women around the globe in the world of hockey. This league demonstrates just how talented female hockey players are and that they deserve to play on the highest stage. Finally, women can play professionally.
