National Women’s Hockey League preparing for inaugural season

The first-ever all women’s professional paid hockey league will debut this fall.

The National Women’s Hockey League will feature four teams to start and will give athletes the opportunity to play in a professional environment against world-class opponents, while earning a paycheque.

“We’re building it for the long haul,” NWHL commissioner Dani Rylan explained.

“I think one of things that we’re doing is really focusing on our marketing and having an 18 game schedule with only nine home and nine away games. With only one game a weekend, the idea is we heavily market that one game to get as many people in the seats as possible. We’re also trying to coordinate partnerships with corresponding NHL teams to help with exposure and brand awareness.”

The founding four teams are the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters.

LISTEN: 660’s Sandra Prusina talks to NWHL commissioner Dani Rylan

Recently, the only league available for women’s hockey players in North America has been the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, which is a not-for-profit organization. The Calgary Inferno, who play out of WinSport, have had Canadian Olympians like Rebecca Johnston and Meaghan Mikkelson suit up for them. The CWHL is responsible for all travel, ice rental and other costs, but players are not financially compensated.

That’s where Rylan says the leagues will differ.

“Firstly, the CWHL is a great league and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve done and provided for post-collegiate women as far as a place to play between Olympic years,” she said.

“The biggest difference aside from the fact that the women of the NWHL will be paid will be the exposure and the marketing. The biggest thing is creating the awareness.”

There will be no international roster restrictions in the NWHL, which will allow players from around the globe to play in a paid, professional environment.

For more information, visit NWHL.co.