In the world of women’s hockey, the landscape has seen many leagues come and go over the years. However, one league that has stood the test of time and made significant strides in the last century is the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was established in 2023. Before the PWHL came into existence, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) was the pinnacle of women’s hockey in North America, boasting top-tier talent like Team Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin and Team USA’s Hilary Knight. Unfortunately, the CWHL folded in 2019, leaving a void in women’s hockey that needed to be filled.
In 2007, a group of players from the defunct National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) saw an opportunity to create a new league to continue playing the game they loved. They pitched their idea to a group of businesspeople, who saw the potential and helped establish the CWHL as a non-profit organization. This meant that the players were responsible for covering most of their expenses, including equipment, travel, and other necessities, as they were not given salaries.
The CWHL started with five original teams, with the Brampton Thunder becoming the first-ever CWHL champions. The league eventually introduced the Clarkson Cup, a trophy named after former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson, which was awarded to the top Canadian team in the league. However, the inaugural winner of the Clarkson Cup was the Montreal Stars, who defeated the Minnesota Whitecaps from the Western Women’s Hockey League in an intense showdown.
As the CWHL continued to grow, more teams joined the league and expanded its reach internationally, welcoming the Kunlun Red Stars from China. Despite the league’s success, there were still challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of funding. Players had to pay to get drafted and raise money to cover their expenses, showcasing their dedication and love for the game.
Hilary Knight shared insights into the financial challenges players faced, recounting moments when she had to write a cheque to the Boston Blades general manager and raise $350 with her teammates to secure their spot on the team. These financial hurdles highlighted the commitment and sacrifice players made to keep the league afloat and ensure the future of women’s hockey.
The CWHL may have faced its share of obstacles, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of players and fans who were part of its incredible journey. The league paved the way for women’s hockey to thrive and inspire generations of young athletes to pursue their dreams on the ice.
