The new Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF) arouses the envy of former athletes, but also the hope of university players. According to some, this circuit could have a “snowball” effect on Canadian women’s sport as a whole if it demonstrates that it is viable.
In interview at Duty, women’s hockey pioneer Manon Rhéaume says she had tears in her eyes while watching the league’s inaugural draft, especially when the name of the very first player chosen rang out. “It was so moving,” underlines the Quebecer who made history in 1992 by becoming the first and only woman to date to participate in an NHL preparatory game.
The 51-year-old former athlete would have loved to be part of a circuit like the LPHF when she was a goalkeeper. “Having this chance would have been incredible,” says the woman who lives in Michigan.
The new league, which is made up of six teams — Minnesota, Toronto, Boston, New York, Ottawa and Montreal — presented the first matches in its history this week.
The New Yorkers first defeated the Torontonians on Monday 4-0, then the Montrealers triumphed on Tuesday against the Ottawans by a score of 3-2 in overtime. The Minnesotans then won on Wednesday over their opponents, the Bostonians, with a score of 3-2.
Golden opportunities
Women’s hockey is currently experiencing its “most important moment” to date, says Duty Jayna Hefford, LPHF Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Our sport will continue to grow in Canada and even elsewhere,” she believes, welcoming the showcase that the league’s athletes will have to inspire the youngest.
Little girls who are fans of this sport “can now dream of playing at the professional level”, says M with emotionme Rhéaume, who is now an advisor to hockey operations and prospects for the Los Angeles Kings.
The League also brings light to the eyes of university team members who are about to finish their studies. “The arrival of the LPHF gives hope, otherwise my career would end at the end of this season,” says Kelly-Ann Nadeau, defenseman for the Université de Montréal Carabins.
The 25-year-old student, who is in her sixth and final season with her team, plans to “work hard” to one day be part of the League.
This new women’s circuit seems “well established and well managed”, adds Annabel Faubert, also a defender for the Carabins. “So it’s much more encouraging to say to ourselves that we’re going to go for it and see where it takes us,” emphasizes the 24-year-old.
The latter, who is finishing her studies in social work this year, is now hesitating between accepting a job in her field or trying to push her passion for this sport to the limit. ” Of the jobsthere will always be some, but [dans] hockey, no. »
“Money makes the difference”
Certainly, other women’s hockey leagues in North America have already existed. But this time, “money makes the difference,” believes Guylaine Demers, professor in the Department of Physical Education at Laval University. A group of “serious” investors, led by American businessman Mark Walter, supports the LPHF, explains the director of the Research Laboratory for the Advancement of Women in Sports in Quebec.
All the conditions are therefore met for the League to continue, according to Jayna Hefford. The latter specifies that Mr. Walter’s financial contribution has a lot to do with it, as does his experience in professional sports, notably as co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Mme Hefford goes on to mention that another “winning ingredient” of the League, according to her, is the collective agreement which guarantees both salary and working conditions for the players. “The support these athletes will receive is unlike anything we have seen before in our sport,” assures the Canadian.
To maximize its chances of success, the LPHF also put a lot of energy into making itself known to the public and the media. These colossal efforts have, until now, borne fruit if we consider the 8,318 spectators present in the stands of TD Place, in the Canadian capital, to watch Ottawa’s match against Montreal.
“Don’t come and tell me that women’s sport doesn’t interest the world,” says Guylaine Demers. “When we talk about it and promote it, people are there. » He also enters a virtuous circle when he becomes professional. “It gets more exposure and it attracts more sponsors and money. »
Mme Demers believes that if the LPHF demonstrates that it is “profitable and viable”, it could well have a “snowball” effect in the world of women’s sport in general. “I think there are certainly people in the business world who will be very attentive to what is happening with this league to explore other possibilities. »
More fans
The arrival of the LPHF will be beneficial for hockey in general, because it will attract a new audience, believes Professor Demers. “Since I was an adult, I have never gone to see the Montreal Canadiens. For me, it’s a gang millionaires, and I don’t even know the players. But I am now going to go back to watch hockey because they are women who play and I like their style, their speed and the intelligence of their game. For this sport, there is one more fan who is being added who n It wasn’t there anymore. »
The fact that RDS, TSN, Radio-Canada, CBC and Sportsnet will each broadcast certain parts of this new circuit in 2024 will make it possible to increase awareness of women’s hockey in Canada, believes Annabel Faubert of the Carabins. “People who don’t have regular access to this sport will be able to come across matches and say: ‘Wow, these girls have talent, they’re of great caliber.’ »
The American television network NHL Network spoke about the LPHF several times this week, to the great delight of Manon Rhéaume, who listens to the channel religiously. “Everyone is excited about the league. We realize all the sacrifices these women made to be able to have it. »