The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) is an organization founded in 2019 that has a strong dedication to promoting and supporting Women’s Professional Ice Hockey. The gap in opportunity between elite male hockey players and elite female hockey players is evident, extensive and unjust. In the recent years, as athletes attempt to make hockey more inclusive for women and girls, many have called on large sport organizations such as the NHL to contribute to the efforts.  

Hayley Wickenheiser, one of the best female hockey players of all time, has previously said that “the only way for the PWHPA to make a breakthrough in creating a sustainable women’s hockey league is through a true professional league partnering with the NHL”. Now, the PWHPA presently sees itself holding partnerships with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers. 

Support from NHL franchises will help the PWHPA in their attempt to create a single successful professional women’s hockey league. The partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs will aid in marketing and overall resources in support of the PWHPA league. The league has a goal of creating an environment where professional female players can earn a sustainable living to be full-time hockey players.  

The benefits received by male professional hockey players, in addition to their large salaries, are worlds above what is currently received by professional female hockey players and the recognition and support from the NHL in bridging this gender gap is encouraging.  

Issues regarding the gender gap are global. In China, extensive research is ongoing to determine methods of increasing opportunity for professional female players. Researchers have used sociological theories such as the critical feminist theory, to focus on the gender gap issues happening in professional sports.

PaigeK

Featured image: The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association has recently added a partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Source: PWHPA Website)