Professional Women's Hockey Players Association
The Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) is a North American organization that represents professional ice hockey players. The organization was formed in 2019 after the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) ceased operations, leaving only the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) as the top professional league for women in North America. The PWHPA is dedicated to promoting and advancing women's hockey by providing opportunities for players to compete at the highest level possible.
The Formation of PWHPA
With the sudden collapse of the CWHL in 2019, many top female hockey players were left without a professional league to play in. This prompted the formation of the PWHPA, which aimed to unite the best players in North America and provide them with a platform to play at the highest level possible.
The PWHPA was formed by a group of over 200 women's hockey players, who wanted to create a sustainable and viable women's hockey league in North America. The organization is made up of five regional chapters across North America: Minnesota, New Hampshire, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary. These chapters work together to organize competitive games and events for the players.
Mission of PWHPA
The mission of the PWHPA is to promote and advance women's hockey by providing opportunities for players to compete at the highest level possible. The organization is dedicated to creating a sustainable and viable women's hockey league in North America that will provide female players with the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
The PWHPA aims to achieve this mission by working with the hockey community, sponsors, supporters, and media to raise awareness and generate support for women's hockey. The organization also provides leadership and advocacy for female hockey players, advocating for their rights and working to eliminate barriers to their success.
Events Organized by PWHPA
One of the main objectives of the PWHPA is to provide female hockey players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level possible. To achieve this, the organization organizes several events throughout the year that bring together the best female hockey players in North America.
These events include the Dream Gap Tour, which is a series of events that feature some of the best women's hockey players in the world. The tour is designed to provide players with the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against other top-level female players.
The PWHPA also hosts several other events throughout the year, including training camps, scrimmages, and tournaments. These events provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a high level, while also promoting and raising awareness for women's hockey.
Challenges Faced by PWHPA
Despite its efforts to promote and advance women's hockey, the PWHPA has faced several challenges in its quest to create a sustainable and viable women's hockey league in North America.
One of the main challenges faced by the organization is a lack of funding and support. Unlike the men's professional hockey leagues, which are funded by major sports organizations and sponsors, the women's professional hockey leagues have struggled to secure the funding needed to sustain themselves.
The PWHPA has also faced resistance from the existing women's professional hockey league, the NWHL. The NWHL has been criticized for not providing its players with adequate pay and resources, and for not doing enough to promote and advance women's hockey in North America.
The Future of PWHPA
Despite the challenges it has faced, the PWHPA remains committed to its mission of promoting and advancing women's hockey in North America. The organization continues to work with the hockey community, sponsors, supporters, and media to raise awareness and generate support for women's hockey.
The PWHPA is also exploring new opportunities to promote women's hockey, such as partnering with major sports organizations and broadcasters to bring more attention to the sport. The organization is also working to secure funding and sponsorship that will allow it to create a sustainable and viable women's hockey league in North America.
Ultimately, the success of the PWHPA will depend on the support it receives from the hockey community, sponsors, and fans. If the organization is able to generate enough support and funding, it could help pave the way for a new era of women's hockey in North America.
