Category: Hockey

Every parent wants their child to have the best opportunities to be successful AND happy. 

When it comes to hockey, does that mean their young daughter should play on a boys team in her development years? In areas where there are viable girls hockey programs available, it is clear that there is two questions you must consider:

Is my daughter’s on-ice development improved by playing with boys?

Is that development worth missing out on some of the positive social aspects of playing on an all-girls team?

Kristen Richards, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, played AA in the GTHL for the Etobicoke Canucks until she was 13. 

“I absolutely loved playing boys hockey,” said Richards, who played four seasons in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Brampton/Markham Thunder. “It was difficult for my parents to get me to switch to the girls game. 

“I loved the physicality, compete level, and development opportunities that existed from being in that circle. The physicality of the boys side helped me to develop balance, puck protection, and vision to make quicker plays.”

Tori Charron, who played AA for the boys’ Tecumseh Eagles, had a great experience as well. 

“Looking back I don’t think I would have changed that experience,” said Charron, who played NCAA hockey with Norwich University. “I feel like there was a lot more emphasis of keeping your head up from an early age, preparing us for when hitting would be implemented and I think that makes a huge difference in the early years. 

“I played with a lot of girls who, even in college, had a hard time getting their heads up. This changes the game completely.”

All the women we spoke to who played on boys teams growing up had positive experiences but also faced some challenges. 

Charron recalls her memories of changing in janitors’ closets or the arena’s public bathroom, sometimes feeling left out. 

“This can be difficult and I didn’t realize that until I started playing girls hockey and saw what I was missing,” she said.

Brittany Friesen, who played boys Novice to Bantom with Oro Minor Hockey, also struggled at times with trying to fit in on a boys’ team.

 “There were a couple instances of bullying or certain teammates making it clear that they did not like my presence there,” Friesen said. “But I was lucky to have supportive coaches who recognized those things and ensured that playing was a safe space for me.”

When making the decision, USA Hockey encourages parents to consider which program offers a better coaching and player development strategy. Which program will continue to challenge and allow your daughter to improve? Add this to your research homework.

Kayla Magarelli, who played A and AA boys with the Duffield Devils shared her experience.

“I loved playing hockey with the boys. It was really fun,” said Magarelli. “Sometimes I felt left out of “inside jokes.” Once I moved to girls hockey, I appreciated the social aspect more.”

Hockey Canada (Female Hockey Development) says, “It is important for girls to have the opportunity to interact with teammates and be leaders on their teams. The skill level of female hockey has increased dramatically and girls today have the opportunity to compete at a high level and still benefit from the social and leadership side of the game as well.”

Hockey goes beyond the sport. Many girls will grow up together and develop lifelong friendships. Several women we spoke with indicated that with the advancements in girls hockey they would play in a girls’ hockey program today if they had the option. 

Consider the pros and cons of each option, including the athlete’s decision. She needs to be comfortable and have fun wherever she plays.

“It is important to remember that at some point the athlete will have to join the women’s game if they wish to continue to play at a high performance (provincial or national) and/or a post – secondary level,” said Melody Davidson, former coach of the Canadian National Women’s hockey team who is now with Hockey Canada.

The good news is  no matter where girls start, their path for a future career in women’s hockey has never been brighter.

Every parent wants their child to have the best opportunities to be successful AND happy. 

When it comes to hockey, does that mean their young daughter should play on a boys team in her development years? In areas where there are viable girls hockey programs available, it is clear that there are two questions you must consider:

Is my daughter’s on-ice development improved by playing with boys?

Is that development worth missing out on some of the positive social aspects of playing on an all-girls team?

Kristen Richards, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, played AA in the GTHL for the Etobicoke Canucks until she was 13. 

“I absolutely loved playing boys hockey,” said Richards, who played four seasons in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Brampton/Markham Thunder. “It was difficult for my parents to get me to switch to the girls game. 

“I loved the physicality, compete level, and development opportunities that existed from being in that circle. The physicality of the boys side helped me to develop balance, puck protection, and vision to make quicker plays.”

Tori Charron, who played AA for the boys’ Tecumseh Eagles, had a great experience as well. 

“Looking back I don’t think I would have changed that experience,” said Charron, who played NCAA hockey with Norwich University. “I feel like there was a lot more emphasis of keeping your head up from an early age, preparing us for when hitting would be implemented and I think that makes a huge difference in the early years. 

“I played with a lot of girls who, even in college, had a hard time getting their heads up. This changes the game completely.”

All the women we spoke to who played on boys teams growing up had positive experiences but also faced some challenges. 

Charron recalls her memories of changing in janitors’ closets or the arena’s public bathroom, sometimes feeling left out. 

“This can be difficult and I didn’t realize that until I started playing girls hockey and saw what I was missing,” she said.

Brittany Friesen, who played boys Novice to Bantom with Oro Minor Hockey, also struggled at times with trying to fit in on a boys’ team.

 “There were a couple instances of bullying or certain teammates making it clear that they did not like my presence there,” Friesen said. “But I was lucky to have supportive coaches who recognized those things and ensured that playing was a safe space for me.”

When making the decision, USA Hockey encourages parents to consider which program offers a better coaching and player development strategy. Which program will continue to challenge and allow your daughter to improve? Add this to your research homework.

Kayla Magarelli, who played A and AA boys with the Duffield Devils shared her experience.

“I loved playing hockey with the boys. It was really fun,” said Magarelli. “Sometimes I felt left out of “inside jokes.” Once I moved to girls hockey, I appreciated the social aspect more.”

Hockey Canada (Female Hockey Development) says, “It is important for girls to have the opportunity to interact with teammates and be leaders on their teams. The skill level of female hockey has increased dramatically and girls today have the opportunity to compete at a high level and still benefit from the social and leadership side of the game as well.”

Hockey goes beyond the sport. Many girls will grow up together and develop lifelong friendships. Several women we spoke with indicated that with the advancements in girls hockey they would play in a girls’ hockey program today if they had the option. 

Consider the pros and cons of each option, including the athlete’s decision. She needs to be comfortable and have fun wherever she plays.

“It is important to remember that at some point the athlete will have to join the women’s game if they wish to continue to play at a high performance (provincial or national) and/or a post – secondary level,” said Melody Davidson, former coach of the Canadian National Women’s hockey team who is now with Hockey Canada.

The good news is  no matter where girls start, their path for a future career in women’s hockey has never been brighter.

The NHL’s greatest folk heroes are born from a desire to overcome adversity.

Whether it’s Mark Giordano’s rise from an undrafted defenseman to a Norris Trophy winner, goaltender Josh Harding’s unbelievable run with the Minnesota Wild while battling MS, or Jaromir Jagr’s interminable quest to be an immortal icon of hockey, a willingness to beat the odds is what defines generations of potential tentpoles of the sport.

Add 15-year-old Belfast native Blaze Shields-Pettitt to the list.

Pit against a litany of physical and mental illnesses, which include a weakened back due to Schorml’s Nodes, kidney conditions diagnosed in utero, bilateral hydronephrosis that challenges his hydration during games, as well as autism and ADHD, a glance at Blaze’s medical history doesn’t suggest the pedigree of an A-list goalie prospect.

Despite this, the young netminder has quickly propelled himself through the ranks of the native Irish hockey scene, serving as the backbone for the U16 Junior Belfast Giants and being recruited to backstop Team Ireland’s Inline hockey squad in 2020 (a tournament that was eventually canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

“On the ice he can be Blaze, just Blaze,” explain Shield-Pettitt’s parents on his Facebook page. “Not the sick child, not the medical appointments and pain, just Blaze the goalie, and that means the world.”

The sense of normalcy has been a welcome addition to Blaze’s life. He maintains consistent physical therapy and takes special care to ensure he can stay hydrated during games, but in a community where he’s been accepted as just another member of the team, Blaze has found a sense of belonging and a chance to excel.

Even his mind can be at peace on the ice; while ADHD and autism present issues with attentiveness and processing, they can also be a boon to one’s concentration, allowing those with it to hyperfocus on things that make them feel happy or mentally invested, and Blaze has found that investment in hockey.

The 15-year-old first came across the sport after being brought to a Belfast Giants game by the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and was instantly enthralled by the game, especially goaltending position, filled then by long-time Giant Stephen Murphy (Murphy retired in July 2021 after 11 years with Belfast and a single season with the Manchester Storm).

Blaze was mesmerized by the athleticism and artistry of Murphy

“After the game, I told my parents that I wanted to learn to play as a goalie,” he said.

It wasn’t until January 2017 that Blaze would first try on skates. A late start to be sure, but in four short years he’s already bloomed into a bright prospect in a place that doesn’t see many.

“Some of the coaches Blaze has worked with … say Blaze does have the potential to become a professional,” his parents said. “He has the right mindset, the dedication to the position, but is also willing to listen to constructive criticism.”

If Blaze were to make it to the NHL, he would become just the sixth Irish-born player to do so, and the first goaltender. But the road to the show isn’t a simple one for someone in the growing goaltender’s situation.

While it’s normal for international prospects to make their way to the Canadian Hockey League for both development and scout attention — and Blaze certainly dreams of doing so — his individual circumstances mean his development is more likely to continue in his native Ireland. 

“If he moved to Canada his medical insurance payments would be substantial,” caution his parents. “He has already been refused from private healthcare in the UK due to his kidneys being deemed a pre-existing condition.”

If Blaze remains in Europe, though, it would hardly deter his development. Between Inline and ice hockey the 15-year-old netminder has found his fair share of competition and consistently stood to face it.

He recently backstopped the U16 Giants to third-place in tournament play in Scotland, and aims to be named to Team Ireland’s Inline Hockey team once again. 

“To get an Ireland jersey with my name and number on it would mean so much to me,” he said, adding that he aims to compete for a spot on Great Britain’s U18 Ice Hockey team as well.

Blaze undeniably has the skill and support to continue his `ascent through the hockey world, competing internationally and continually finding greater responsibility before he’s even learned to drive a car, but that’s not always enough.

Instead, what seems to help set Blaze apart from the crowd are his positive character, hard-nosed determination, and ability to persevere in the face of his own adversity.

It’s those skills, and the heart of a player, that will ultimately power him through the uphill climb of his career, and before long, maybe even into the annals of NHL history.

The NHL’s greatest folk heroes are born from a desire to overcome adversity.

Whether it’s Mark Giordano’s rise from an undrafted defenseman to a Norris Trophy winner, goaltender Josh Harding’s unbelievable run with the Minnesota Wild while battling MS, or Jaromir Jagr’s interminable quest to be an immortal icon of hockey, a willingness to beat the odds is what defines generations of potential tentpoles of the sport.

Add 13-year-old Belfast native Blaze Shields-Pettitt to the list.

Pit against a litany of physical and mental illnesses, which include a weakened back due to Schorml’s Nodes, kidney conditions diagnosed in utero, bilateral hydronephrosis that challenges his hydration during games, as well as autism and ADHD, a glance at Blaze’s medical history doesn’t suggest the pedigree of an A-list goalie prospect.

Despite this, the young netminder has quickly propelled himself through the ranks of the native Irish hockey scene, serving as the backbone for the U16 Junior Belfast Giants and being recruited to backstop Team Ireland’s Inline hockey squad in 2020 (a tournament that was eventually canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

“On the ice he can be Blaze, just Blaze,” explain Shield-Pettitt’s parents on his Facebook page. “Not the sick child, not the medical appointments and pain, just Blaze the goalie, and that means the world.”

The sense of normalcy has been a welcome addition to Blaze’s life. He maintains consistent physical therapy and takes special care to ensure he can stay hydrated during games, but in a community where he’s been accepted as just another member of the team, Blaze has found a sense of belonging and a chance to excel.

Even his mind can be at peace on the ice; while ADHD and autism present issues with attentiveness and processing, they can also be a boon to one’s concentration, allowing those with it to hyperfocus on things that make them feel happy or mentally invested, and Blaze has found that investment in hockey.

The 13-year-old first came across the sport after being brought to a Belfast Giants game by the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and was instantly enthralled by the game, especially goaltending position, filled then by long-time Giant Stephen Murphy (Murphy retired in July 2021 after 11 years with Belfast and a single season with the Manchester Storm).

Blaze was mesmerized by the athleticism and artistry of Murphy

“After the game, I told my parents that I wanted to learn to play as a goalie,” he said.

It wasn’t until January 2017 that Blaze would first try on skates. A late start to be sure, but in four short years he’s already bloomed into a bright prospect in a place that doesn’t see many.

“Some of the coaches Blaze has worked with … say Blaze does have the potential to become a professional,” his parents said. “He has the right mindset, the dedication to the position, but is also willing to listen to constructive criticism.”

If Blaze were to make it to the NHL, he would become just the sixth Irish-born player to do so, and the first goaltender. But the road to the show isn’t a simple one for someone in the growing goaltender’s situation.

While it’s normal for international prospects to make their way to the Canadian Hockey League for both development and scout attention — and Blaze certainly dreams of doing so — his individual circumstances mean his development is more likely to continue in his native Ireland. 

“If he moved to Canada his medical insurance payments would be substantial,” caution his parents. “He has already been refused from private healthcare in the UK due to his kidneys being deemed a pre-existing condition.”

If Blaze remains in Europe, though, it would hardly deter his development. Between Inline and ice hockey the 15-year-old netminder has found his fair share of competition and consistently stood to face it.

He recently backstopped the U16 Giants to third-place in tournament play in Scotland, and aims to be named to Team Ireland’s Inline Hockey team once again. 

“To get an Ireland jersey with my name and number on it would mean so much to me,” he said, adding that he aims to compete for a spot on Great Britain’s U18 Ice Hockey team as well.

Blaze undeniably has the skill and support to continue his `ascent through the hockey world, competing internationally and continually finding greater responsibility before he’s even learned to drive a car, but that’s not always enough.

Instead, what seems to help set Blaze apart from the crowd are his positive character, hard-nosed determination, and ability to persevere in the face of his own adversity.

It’s those skills, and the heart of a player, that will ultimately power him through the uphill climb of his career, and before long, maybe even into the annals of NHL history.

For over 35 years, hockey enthusiasts in Oshawa, Ont. have seen many local hockey shops open and close its doors. Only one store has remained throughout the many years.

Crow’s Sports is owned by Oshawa resident, Dave Konarowski. He started the business with a single skate sharpening machine in his own home. 

Dave brought up his kids to love the sport of hockey. His son, Jared Konarowski, runs the store now. Dave has passed down his skills for his son to carry the legacy. 

Dave had a backyard homemade ice sheet his family used to play hockey and skate on. But skates used on that type of ice needs to be sharpened before going on a local rink. 

Issues with Dave’s regular skate sharpening technician forced him to buy his own machine. This initiated the 35-plus years of fine experience and detail that has gone into making customers satisfied and returning for more. 

“Your feet are the beginning of balance and posture. So, when your feet are positioned properly, your whole body performs better,” said Dave. 

He emphasized the radius of the blade is unmatched in the skate industry. Big box stores tend to send skates that need attention to Crow’s Sports, creating good business for the shop.

“Its the greyest area in hockey, the shape of your blade,” added Dave. 

Dave spent a lot of man hours perfecting his technique in skate sharpening. It is fair to call him an expert in this field. 

Spending time with various skaters both professional and amateur, worked in tandem with the woodworking skills gathered throughout Dave’s previous years. 

Dave does not just believe, but truly knows his skate sharpening technique is one of the best in North America, and possibly beyond the borders.  

“The only continent I am not on is Antarctica, and I probably might even be on that one,” said Dave, who has sharpened skates with his technique all over the world. 

Customers will travel 100 plus kilometers every two weeks just to come to Crow’s Sports for the services provided. Dave said customer satisfaction is an asset for customers to return. 

The skate machine was just the beginning of Crow’s Sports. 

Although skate sharpening provided by the shop is one, if not, the biggest reason for business, there is many options for goalie and player equipment for hockey. Customization is available to those willing to pay the extra dollars for anything hockey related.

There are countless amounts of goalie pads, chest protectors, skates, sticks, helmets, and accessories.

“Most of our business is done by word of mouth,” said Dave. Advertising is rare for Crow’s Sports.

A website was made for hockey enthusiasts to browse and see if there is anything that catches the eye.

Alongside new equipment and service, Crow’s Sports also has a museum-like feel throughout the store. 

Ranging from very old and unique goalie masks, sticks, heritage blocker, pads, and gloves, Crow’s Sports has it all hockey.

Jared is redecorating the store with other old hockey items Crow’s feels customers would enjoy, including some very rare items.

This old equipment adds a sentimental value not many box stores carry.

Many professionals know Crow’s Sports for the reliability and attention to detail, especially when it comes to skate fitting and the radius on the blade. 

Like any business it will come with obstacles that need to be overcome. For Crow’s Sports case, the big obstacle is the off season from spring to end of summer. As hockey is out of season, the business will see less work. But that never stopped the shop for the 35 years it has been around.

“Be prepared to work hard.” Dave said, adding that he would put in hours of work once the store closed each night. “You get what you put into it. If you think it is going to come to you easy, forget it.” 

From fairly priced equipment to services with immense attention to detail and customer satisfaction, it is easy to see why Crow’s Sports has been around for almost four decades and will remain a go-to spot for hockey services and products for many years to come.

For over 35 years, hockey enthusiasts in Oshawa, Ont. have seen many local hockey shops open and close its doors but one store has remained throughout constant — Crow’s Sports.

Owner Dave Konarowski, who started the business with a single skate sharpening machine in his own home, brought up his kids to love the sport of hockey. His son, Jared Konarowski, runs the store now. Dave has passed down his skills for his son to carry the legacy. 

Dave built a backyard rink his family used to play hockey on but their blades were chewed up by the outdoor ice and needed to be sharpened every time before they could be used inside a local arena.

Issues with Dave’s regular skate sharpening technician forced him to buy his own machine and started the 35-plus years of fine experience and detail that has gone into making customers satisfied and returning again and again to get their skates sharpened.

With the help of chiropractors and professional speed skaters, Dave eventually created his own technique called the ReBal Radius. Dave believes the ReBal gets you into a more athletic stance and makes you quicker off the line and through the corners.

“Your feet are the beginning of balance and posture. So, when your feet are positioned properly, your whole body performs better,” said Dave of his unique sharpening technique. 

He emphasized the radius of the sharpened blade is unmatched in the skate industry. Big box stores tend to send skates that need attention to Crow’s Sports, creating good business for the shop.

“Its the greyest area in hockey, the shape of your blade,” added Dave. 

Dave spent a lot of man hours perfecting his technique in skate sharpening. It is fair to call him an expert in this field. 

“The only continent I do not have customers on is Antarctica, and I probably might even be on that one,” said Dave, who has sharpened skates with his technique all over the world. 

People will travel 100 plus kilometers every two weeks just to come to Crow’s Sports for the services provided. Dave said customer satisfaction is an asset for customers to return. 

The skate machine was just the beginning of Crow’s Sports. 

Although skate sharpening provided by the shop is one, if not, the biggest reason for business, there is many options for goalie and player equipment for hockey. Customization is available to those willing to pay the extra dollars for anything hockey related. There are countless amounts of goalie pads, chest protectors, skates, sticks, helmets, and accessories.

Alongside new equipment and service, Crow’s Sports also has a museum-like feel throughout the store. Ranging from very old and unique goalie masks, sticks, heritage blocker, pads, and gloves, Crow’s Sports has it all hockey.

Since taking over the day-to-day operations of the store, Jared has redecorating the store with other old hockey items he feels his customers would enjoy, including some very rare items. This old equipment adds a sentimental value unmatched by big box stores and people visiting the area for hockey tournaments often stop by the store just to look around.

If you are a fan of goalie masks from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s you can spend an hour looking at over 20 vintage replica masks from Mike Palmateer to Gilles Gratton.

Many professionals know Crow’s Sports for the reliability and attention to detail, especially when it comes to skate fitting and the radius on the blade. 

Like any business it will come with obstacles that need to be overcome. For Crow’s Sports case, the big obstacle is the off season from spring to end of summer. When hockey is out of season, the business will see less clients but that hasn’t stopped the shop for the 35 years it has been around.

“Be prepared to work hard,” said Dave, adding that he would put in hours of work once the store closed each night. “You get what you put into it. If you think it is going to come to you easy, forget it.” 

From fairly priced equipment to services with immense attention to detail and customer satisfaction, it is easy to see why Crow’s Sports has been around for almost four decades and will remain a go-to spot for hockey services and products for many years to come.

“What do you want to do when you grow up?” 

For Liz Knox, now retired professional hockey goaltender, her answer growing up was, “I want to play on the Toronto Maple Leafs.” 

“The crazy part is, that’s probably the same answer a young girl would give today,” Knox said. “They might say the Olympics, which is good, but it’s once every four years.”

Girls hockey is one of the fastest growing amateur sports in North America and it is clear that the creation of a sustainable professional league is needed to provide current and future players an opportunity to play the game they love and earn a decent living while doing it.

The sad reality, for the most part, is that the NHL remains the only hockey league many girls know and follow.

Enter the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), which is comprised of pro players, Olympic athletes, and World Champions like Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, and Natalie Spooner, to name a few. 

Their goal is to help create a sustainable professional women’s hockey league so that young girls have their own hockey path to follow.

Knox, who captained Team Gold at the 2019 CWHL All-Star game, explained her experience playing at Scotiabank Arena — home to the Toronto Maple Leafs — and why some women are fighting so hard . 

“You get a taste of what it’s like to be a truly professional hockey player,” said Knox, who explained that the women at the All-Star game showed up at the rink and their equipment was unpacked, snacks and hydration were provided. 

“All of the little things were taken care of so the players could focus on their game,” she said. “The players received the full NHL experience that weekend and it served to illustrate how far the gap is between men’s and women’s professional hockey.”

A few women also got a taste of NHL fandom. Kendall Coyne Schofield had the crowd buzzing with her amazing performance in the fastest skater competition, finishing less than a second slower than Connor McDavid. Truly an eye-opener for people to see these women belong on hockey’s biggest stage. It put a much-needed spotlight on women’s hockey. 

“We are fortunate to be ambassadors of this beautiful game, and it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of players have more opportunities than we had,” said Coyne Schofield. “It’s time to stand together and work to create a viable league that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of our hard work.”

Many NHL clubs, such as the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames to name a few, have partnered up with the PWHPA to enhance support and sponsorship. They helped make the 2021 Secret Dream Gap Tour — a series of women’s hockey showcase events — a huge success.

The PWHPA also understands the importance of giving back to minor hockey and has made efforts to engage local girls hockey organizations in an effort to grow the women’s game even more.

“The PWHPA helps grow the grassroots programs by touring in various girls hockey cities and hosting either exhibition games or the Dream Gap Tour stops to give visibility to the women’s game and allow young girls to skate with the pros,” Knox said. “On top of that, our players are extremely active as development and skills coaches in their regions.

“We have at least three PWHPA members working as girls hockey development coaches for the NHL. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, we have a number of girls coaching regional teams.”

With the 2022 Winter Olympics on the horizon, women’s hockey will have another opportunity to showcase their talent, create new fans and continue to build the women’s game.

This time, the PWPHA is determined to keep that spark alive once those Games are over.

“What do you want to do when you grow up?” 

For Liz Knox, now retired professional hockey goaltender, her answer growing up was, “I want to play on the Toronto Maple Leafs.” 

“The crazy part is, that’s probably the same answer a young girl would give today,” Knox said. “They might say the Olympics, which is good, but it’s once every four years.”

Girls hockey is one of the fastest growing amateur sports in North America and it is clear that the creation of a sustainable professional league is needed to provide current and future players an opportunity to play the game they love and earn a decent living while doing it.

The sad reality, for the most part, is that the NHL remains the only hockey league many girls know and follow.

Enter the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), which is comprised of pro players, Olympic athletes, and World Champions like Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, and Natalie Spooner, to name a few. 

Their goal is to help create a sustainable professional women’s hockey league so that young girls have their own hockey path to follow.

Knox, who captained Team Gold at the 2019 CWHL All-Star game, explained her experience playing at Scotiabank Arena — home to the Toronto Maple Leafs — and why some women are fighting so hard . 

“You get a taste of what it’s like to be a truly professional hockey player,” said Knox, who explained that the women at the All-Star game showed up at the rink and their equipment was unpacked, snacks and hydration were provided. 

“All of the little things were taken care of so the players could focus on their game,” she said. “The players received the full NHL experience that weekend and it served to illustrate how far the gap is between men’s and women’s professional hockey.”

A few women also got a taste of NHL fandom. Kendall Coyne Schofield had the crowd buzzing with her amazing performance in the fastest skater competition, finishing less than a second slower than Connor McDavid. Truly an eye-opener for people to see these women belong on hockey’s biggest stage. It put a much-needed spotlight on women’s hockey. 

“We are fortunate to be ambassadors of this beautiful game, and it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of players have more opportunities than we had,” said Coyne Schofield. “It’s time to stand together and work to create a viable league that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of our hard work.”

Many NHL clubs, such as the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames to name a few, have partnered up with the PWHPA to enhance support and sponsorship. They helped make the 2021 Secret Dream Gap Tour — a series of women’s hockey showcase events — a huge success.

The PWHPA also understands the importance of giving back to minor hockey and has made efforts to engage local girls hockey organizations in an effort to grow the women’s game even more.

“The PWHPA helps grow the grassroots programs by touring in various girls hockey cities and hosting either exhibition games or the Dream Gap Tour stops to give visibility to the women’s game and allow young girls to skate with the pros,” Knox said. “On top of that, our players are extremely active as development and skills coaches in their regions.

“We have at least three PWHPA members working as girls hockey development coaches for the NHL. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, we have a number of girls coaching regional teams.”

With the 2022 Winter Olympics on the horizon, women’s hockey will have another opportunity to showcase their talent, create new fans and continue to build the women’s game.

This time, the PWPHA is determined to keep that spark alive once those Games are over.

It was the perfect time to ask Walter Gretzky a question I’d always wondered about. 

How important was lacrosse when it came to his son’s journey to become the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and the player most consider the greatest to ever lace up a pair of skates?

It was back in the early 2000s and the country’s most cherished hockey parent, the man who made the backyard rink mainstream, was in Calgary at the Saddledome to perform the ceremonial ball drop prior to a National Lacrosse League tilt for the hometown Roughnecks.

I was there to cover the game for the Calgary Sun and jumped at the chance to have a pre-game chat with the Great One’s dad.   

Down in the bowels of the ’Dome, we sat down on a pair of metal folding chairs and I posed the question.

“It sure helped Wayne,” he answered. “Because in lacrosse, you learn how to fake and he used those same fakes, or moves, in hockey. It sure helped him, no doubt about that.

“Knowing the different moves, dropping his shoulder and such like you have to do in lacrosse …, really helped him.”

Walter coached his son in lacrosse, as he famously did in hockey.

He fell in love with the sport, he said, just like Wayne. 

“It’s one of the oldest sports in the Canada but it’s not one of the biggest sports (in popularity),” said Walter, who passed away in March of 2021. “But it sure is a great sport, a lot of fun to watch.”

There’s no doubt the sport left an indelible impression on the Great One, who recently joined an ownership group consisting of his future son-in-law and pro golfer Dustin Johnson, Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash, and billionaire Joe Tsai to bring a National Lacrosse League franchise to Las Vegas.

Over the years, lacrosse and hockey have gone together like doughnuts and a double-double in certain regions of Canada.

Plenty of notable national sports stars took part in both games.

Way back in the day, it was fellas such as Newsy Lalonde, Jack Bionda and Lionel Conacher (Google these gents if you’re too young).

Then came Gretzky, Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, Doug Gilmour, Adam Oates and Mike Gartner.

These days, it’s Steve Stamkos, Jonathan Toews, Sean Monahan and John Tavares (whose namesake uncle is the all-time leader scorer in NLL history ), to name but a few.

“For me, it was always hockey in the winter, lacrosse in the summer,” said Monahan, who grew up playing lacrosse in Brampton. “The two really work together really well.

“In lacrosse you learn to protect yourself from getting hit, rolling off checks, making moves and stuff like that. Obviously you’re catching the ball and passing, so hand-eye co-ordination goes a long way.

“I think hockey and lacrosse are two sports that complement each other well.”

The similarities between the sports are front and centre: Both are played five-on-five with two goalies in nets at each end, the game taking part on a hockey arena floor or outdoor box, with all the players carrying sticks and wearing helmets.

However, some will say that box lacrosse actually has more in common with basketball than hockey. 

To a certain extent, that’s true. First off, you’re running in shoes and not skating, and offensive sets consist of picks and screens in a structure with set plays, all designed to try and produce odd-man situations on offence.  The two-man game, as it’s called, is all about picks to create 2-on-1s. On the other side of the ball, switches and slides by defensive players are an orchestrated dance meant to try and stymy the offensive attack.

At the end of the day, it’s both the similarities and differences that make it a perfect summer sport for hockey players.

There is a great focus these days on kids playing multiple sports for myriad reasons, including but not limited to: Staving off the boredom that can come with early specialization, avoiding repetitive-stress injuries by having the body do different activities, having kids face a new challenge and broaden their horizons, and becoming a better overall athlete to help them excel in their primary sport, which is often hockey here in this country.

Lacrosse checks off all the boxes.

“It’s such a great sport,” said Monahan, who currently plays for the Calgary Flames. “I played it growing up and loved it. It’s my favourite sport to watch.

“You don’t realize how much goes into the game to play it. It’s aggressive and skilled – it’s a real treat to watch.”  

It was the perfect time to ask Walter Gretzky a question I’d always wondered about. 

How important was lacrosse when it came to his son’s journey to become the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and the player most consider the greatest to ever lace up a pair of skates?

It was back in the early 2000s and the country’s most cherished hockey parent, the man who made the backyard rink mainstream, was in Calgary at the Saddledome to perform the ceremonial ball drop prior to a National Lacrosse League tilt for the hometown Roughnecks.

I was there to cover the game for the Calgary Sun and jumped at the chance to have a pre-game chat with the Great One’s dad.   

Down in the bowels of the ’Dome, we sat down on a pair of metal folding chairs and I posed the question.

“It sure helped Wayne,” he answered. “Because in lacrosse, you learn how to fake and he used those same fakes, or moves, in hockey. It sure helped him, no doubt about that.

“Knowing the different moves, dropping his shoulder and such like you have to do in lacrosse …, really helped him.”

Walter coached his son in lacrosse, as he famously did in hockey.

He fell in love with the sport, he said, just like Wayne. 

“It’s one of the oldest sports in the Canada but it’s not one of the biggest sports (in popularity),” said Walter, who passed away in March of 2021. “But it sure is a great sport, a lot of fun to watch.”

There’s no doubt the sport left an indelible impression on the Great One, who recently joined an ownership group consisting of his future son-in-law and pro golfer Dustin Johnson, Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash, and billionaire Joe Tsai to bring a National Lacrosse League franchise to Las Vegas.

Over the years, lacrosse and hockey have gone together like doughnuts and a double-double in certain regions of Canada.

Plenty of notable national sports stars took part in both games.

Way back in the day, it was fellas such as Newsy Lalonde, Jack Bionda and Lionel Conacher (Google these gents if you’re too young).

Then came Gretzky, Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, Doug Gilmour, Adam Oates and Mike Gartner.

These days, it’s Steve Stamkos, Jonathan Toews, Sean Monahan and John Tavares (whose namesake uncle is the all-time leader scorer in NLL history ), to name but a few.

“For me, it was always hockey in the winter, lacrosse in the summer,” said Monahan, who grew up playing lacrosse in Brampton. “The two really work together really well.

“In lacrosse you learn to protect yourself from getting hit, rolling off checks, making moves and stuff like that. Obviously you’re catching the ball and passing, so hand-eye co-ordination goes a long way.

“I think hockey and lacrosse are two sports that complement each other well.”

The similarities between the sports are front and centre: Both are played five-on-five with two goalies in nets at each end, the game taking part on a hockey arena floor or outdoor box, with all the players carrying sticks and wearing helmets.

However, some will say that box lacrosse actually has more in common with basketball than hockey. 

To a certain extent, that’s true. First off, you’re running in shoes and not skating, and offensive sets consist of picks and screens in a structure with set plays, all designed to try and produce odd-man situations on offence.  The two-man game, as it’s called, is all about picks to create 2-on-1s. On the other side of the ball, switches and slides by defensive players are an orchestrated dance meant to try and stymy the offensive attack.

At the end of the day, it’s both the similarities and differences that make it a perfect summer sport for hockey players.

There is a great focus these days on kids playing multiple sports for myriad reasons, including but not limited to: Staving off the boredom that can come with early specialization, avoiding repetitive-stress injuries by having the body do different activities, having kids face a new challenge and broaden their horizons, and becoming a better overall athlete to help them excel in their primary sport, which is often hockey here in this country.

Lacrosse checks off all the boxes.

“It’s such a great sport,” said Monahan, who currently plays for the Calgary Flames. “I played it growing up and loved it. It’s my favourite sport to watch.

“You don’t realize how much goes into the game to play it. It’s aggressive and skilled – it’s a real treat to watch.”