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Professional hockey

Women's Hockey on the Rise: A Growing Sport with Unstoppable Momentum

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The women's hockey scene in the United States is thriving, with the number of players growing significantly over the past five years. The United States team, led by assistant coach John Marchetti, is poised to face off against top international teams in the third International Ice Hockey Federation's women's world championships at Lake Placid. With 40 college teams and 16 varsity programs, women's hockey is no longer a niche sport, and its popularity is only set to continue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of women playing on organized teams recognized by USA Hockey grew from 138 to 269 from 1989 to 1993.
  • There are 40 college teams, with 16 varsity programs, offering women's hockey as a sport.
  • Girls' hockey will be sanctioned as a high school varsity sport beginning next season in Minnesota.
  • Women's hockey will make its Olympic debut as a medal sport at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
  • The United States team is coached by John Marchetti, a pioneer of women's hockey in the United States.
  • Marchetti notes that the women's game is more deliberate, with less physicality and fewer penalties due to body checking.
  • The equipment used by women's hockey players is lighter and less expensive than men's equipment.
  • Women's hockey players prioritize teamwork over individual statistics and recognition.
  • The pro scout presence will be more prevalent in the 21st century, with athletes like Kelly Dyer, Erin Whitten, and Manon Rheaume challenging the status quo.

Statistics:

  • 138 women played on organized teams recognized by USA Hockey in 1989.
  • 269 women played on organized teams recognized by USA Hockey in 1993.
  • 40 college teams offer women's hockey, with 16 of them being varsity programs and 24 at the club level.
  • 11 of the 20 players on the current United States team are collegians, with the Olympics as a goal.
  • 9 veterans of the past two United States teams are participating in the world championships.
  • The Canadian team beat China, 7-1, in their opening match.
  • Finland routed Germany, 17-1, behind five goals from Hanna Teerijoki.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • USA Hockey
  • International Ice Hockey Federation
  • The Providence College Sports department
  • The Princeton University Sports department

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