As Montreal prepares to launch the Montreal Victory in the new Women’s Professional Hockey League, the history of women’s hockey in Quebec unfolds. From early participation in the 19th century to the rise of leagues during World War I, women faced societal challenges yet showcased their talent. Iconic players like Albertine Lapensée and pioneering goaltender Elizabeth Graham paved the way, leading to a resurgence in the 1960s. The LPHF heralds a new era in women’s hockey, building on over a century of progress.
The Rise of Women’s Hockey in Quebec
As summer 2023 drew to a close, an exciting announcement emerged: Montreal is set to host one of the inaugural franchises of the new Women’s Professional Hockey League (LPHF). This season, the team will be known as the Montreal Victory. This revelation sparked my curiosity about the history of women’s hockey in Quebec.
In the 19th century, women’s participation in sports was generally discouraged. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, famously opposed female athletes competing. Meanwhile, societal norms pushed young women to focus on domestic roles. Despite this, many women defied the odds by donning skates and playing hockey. One of the first documented instances of women’s hockey dates back to 1891, when a journalist from the Ottawa Citizen reported on a game where players showcased impressive skating skills and puck-handling abilities comparable to their male counterparts, thus marking an important moment in women’s sports history.
Historic Milestones and Equipment of Women Hockey Players
The earliest known photograph capturing women playing hockey was taken around 1890 at Rideau Hall, the residence of Canada’s Governor General. This iconic image features Lady Isobel Stanley, daughter of Lord Stanley, participating in a hockey match alongside her teammates. Many historians believe that the first recorded women’s hockey game took place on March 9, 1889.
Historical photographic archives reveal much about the equipment used by female hockey players in the past. They typically wore crinoline skirts paired with unnumbered jerseys, sometimes featuring turtlenecks. Traditional men’s shin guards were considered inappropriate for women at the time. Interestingly, Elizabeth Graham from Queen’s University is recognized as the first goaltender—regardless of gender—to wear a mask during a game. After undergoing dental surgery, she used a fencing mask to protect her face while guarding the net in 1927.
The onset of World War I saw a significant shift as many men left for combat, allowing women to step into roles typically held by men, including in factories and on the ice. Various leagues emerged to fill the demand for hockey matches, with the Bell company establishing one of the first women’s leagues featuring teams of telephone operators. Though this league lasted just one season, it showcased remarkable talent and drew large crowds.
Among the leagues formed during the war, the Eastern Ladies Hockey League in Montreal gained notable popularity. It launched its inaugural game in December 1915, quickly turning its players into local stars. The Jubilee Arena, holding 3,200 spectators, often reached full capacity as these talented women played with vigor, adhering to the same rules as their male counterparts. The Western team dominated the league’s first two seasons, clinching the Doran Cup, with standout player Agnès Vautier earning recognition for her exceptional skills.
Women’s hockey’s influence extended beyond Montreal, with the Cornwall Victorias emerging as a dominant team in Ontario. Star player Albertine Lapensée, at just 16 years old, became renowned for her scoring prowess, notably netting 15 goals in a single game. During the 1916-1917 season, she tallied an astounding 150 goals, leading her team to an impressive record. However, the end of the war brought a decline in women’s hockey as male leagues regained prominence, resulting in a waning interest in women’s sports. Lapensée retired in 1918, and her story, like many others from that era, faded into obscurity despite the adoration these athletes once received.
The Great Depression and post-World War II period saw a significant decline in women’s hockey, with young girls struggling to find suitable organizations. One notable story is that of Abigail Hoffman, who, at age nine, altered her appearance and identity to join a boys’ team. Her determination and creativity highlighted the need for inclusivity in hockey, proving that girls could excel in the sport alongside boys.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that a resurgence of women’s hockey began in Canada, culminating in various attempts to establish a professional women’s league. Now, with the introduction of the LPHF, we stand on the brink of a historic moment that could reshape the landscape of women’s hockey in Canada over a century after the first women graced the ice.