The following is a collaboration two-part special with HerGameToo Ice Hockey Ambassador and Manchester Storm fan, Kate Gleave. Coupled with Head of HerGameToo, Rebecca Shaw. Check out @hgticehockey on Instagram for more information!

CS: What is the current setup for women’s hockey in the UK?

RS: The Women’s National Ice Hockey League (WNIHL) is the top tier of women’s ice hockey. The WNIHL Elite League is the top tier of women’s ice hockey and consists of six teams competing to be crowned champions at the WNIHL Championship weekend in May. Following this, we have WNIHL 1, which is the second tier of women’s ice hockey. Then, we have WNIHL 2, which is split into North and South regions. There are also academies for all ages to help girls take the step into ice hockey. We also have GB Women, who compete in the IIHF World Women’s Championship.

CS: How can I/others watch women’s professional ice hockey games?

RS: All of the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) matches are streamed on their YouTube channel. The teams participating in this league are Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres. There have been some amazing matches, and I definitely recommend giving the PWHL a watch. Make sure to also head down to your local rinks to show your support for the women’s teams during the season—there are some very competitive matches. Some teams in the UK also stream their matches live for fans who can’t make it to the rink.

CS: Who are some of the biggest stars in women’s ice hockey today?

RS: There are a lot of names I could mention, but the one that stands out for me is Jessica Campbell. She made history as the first full-time female assistant coach in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She has now become the NHL’s first full-time female coach for the Seattle Kraken, making her coaching debut against the St. Louis Blues.

CS: What are some of the most memorable moments in women’s ice hockey history?

RS: One memorable moment for me recently is the Seattle Kraken signing Jessica Campbell, which represents a huge stride for women in ice hockey and shows that it’s possible for women to be a part of the NHL in influential roles. Another huge milestone was the introduction of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and seeing its development over a season. There were fans at the rinks with signs for the players, and it was inspiring to see so many young girls now have role models within the PWHL to look up to and strive to be like.

CS: Who is your current favourite player on the roster, and why?

KG: Tyler Hinam. He always puts in a shift, he’s been getting feistier lately, and I just think he’s a great asset for the franchise.

CS: If you could bring in any player from within the league, who would it be and why?

KG: It would never happen in a million years and might be controversial, but I feel like we’ve all got a soft spot for Robert Dowd. Plus, he’s now the top point scorer of all time in the league.

CS: What is your favourite hockey away day?

KG: I’ve only been to Sheffield so far, but I would love to go to a Nottingham game! It is great to get a chance to visit some of the arena teams and take in a different city along the way.

I would like to thank Kate; Rebecca and HGT for their time to do this Q & A. Manchester Storm are looking forward to partnering with HGT this season to promote women’s ice hockey!
If you would like to be a part of future chapters of ‘A View From The Glass’ please contact: schoracallum@yahoo.com
Please check out @hgticehockey on Instagram for more information!