PWHL Intends To Be An Inclusive League Where People "Feel Free To Be Themselves"
The PWHL still lacks diversity like all areas of hockey do, but it's on the mind of the league to continue to become a place where people "feel free to be themselves."
Inclusion, diversity, equity, and justice have been significantly lacking in hockey. Hockey's culture has been under a microscope the past two years, and the problems at the root of this issue have been developing for decades.
The PWHL wants to be different. On the ice, that comes through representation from players including Sarah Nurse, Sophie Jaques, Leah Lum, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, and Abby Roque.
"The first thing is representation and we have some incredible athletes in our league that can continue to be great role models, be active in their communities," said senior vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford when asked about opening space in hockey for Black fans and athletes.
The league has also embraced Pride initiatives as a large portion of the league's athletes and fans are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The league has players from a number of communities who serve as role models and representation.
"I think all of our players do that for a lot of different communities of people and I think the one thing that's really special about our league, I feel it every game I'm at, it doesn't matter what market we're in, is there's a sense of inclusivity in our buildings and people are here, they're excited, and they're happy and they feel welcomed regardless of who they are and they feel free to be themselves," said Hefford. "I've talked to many many people who have never felt this way in a hockey rink."
But there remains work to be done. Whether it's in staffing, which within the PWHL continues to lack diversity, including no people of color on team coaching staffs. But the idea of promoting hockey as a space for all remains at the forefront for the league.
"What we'll continue to do is grow the game for young girls, and I don't think there's any limit on who those young girls are," said Hefford.
"We want to bring people in that love the game, and we want to bring people in that represent different communities."