New England Women's Hockey Alliance
Women's hockey has come a long way in recent years, with more and more opportunities opening up for female players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. One of the most exciting developments in women's hockey is the emergence of the New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA), a conference that is quickly making a name for itself as one of the premier destinations for women's hockey in the United States.
What is the NEWHA?
The New England Women's Hockey Alliance is a Division I conference that was founded in 2017. The conference currently consists of six teams: Sacred Heart University, Saint Anselm College, Saint Michael's College, Franklin Pierce University, Long Island University, and Post University. The NEWHA is unique in that it is a women's-only conference, which allows the teams to focus on building a strong foundation for women's hockey in the Northeast.
The NEWHA was created as a way for these schools to provide a more competitive and comprehensive experience for their women's hockey programs. Many of the schools in the conference were previously playing as independent programs, which meant that they had to schedule their own games and had no automatic bids to the NCAA tournament. By forming a conference, the NEWHA teams are now able to play a full conference schedule and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
The Growth of Women's Hockey in the Northeast
The NEWHA is just one example of the rapid growth of women's hockey in the Northeast. The region has long been a hotbed for hockey, with countless men's programs at the Division I and III levels. In recent years, however, there has been a significant increase in the number of women's programs in the area.
One reason for this growth is the increased interest in the sport among young girls. Thanks in part to the success of the United States women's hockey team in international competitions, more and more girls are picking up a stick and hitting the ice. This increased interest has led to the creation of more youth programs and has helped to cultivate a new generation of female hockey players.
Another factor in the growth of women's hockey in the Northeast is the increased support from colleges and universities. Schools are recognizing the value of having a strong women's hockey program, both as a way to promote gender equity and as a way to attract top female athletes.
Many schools are investing in their women's hockey programs, building new rinks and hiring top-notch coaches. This increased investment has led to a higher caliber of play and has helped to establish the region as a hub for women's hockey.
The Impact of the NEWHA
The NEWHA may be a young conference, but it is already having a significant impact on women's hockey in the Northeast. By providing a platform for more competitive play and increased visibility, the conference is helping to grow the sport and attract new fans.
The NEWHA is also helping to push the sport forward in terms of gender equity. By providing an opportunity for female players to compete at a high level, the conference is helping to break down barriers and advance the cause of women's sports.
As the NEWHA continues to grow and establish itself as one of the premier conferences in women's hockey, it is sure to have a lasting impact on the sport in the Northeast and beyond.
Conclusion
The rise of women's hockey in the Northeast is an exciting development for the sport and for female athletes. The New England Women's Hockey Alliance is playing a vital role in this growth, providing a platform for more competitive play and increased visibility. As the conference continues to expand and attract top talent, it is sure to have a lasting impact on women's hockey in the region and beyond.
