The Minnesota-Boston contest this evening certainly didn't have the physical play seen between Montreal and Ottawa, and the score wasn't as one-sided in the end as the New York-Toronto game. However, the same key factors that made the first two games so entertaining were on display as there were pretty goals scored, big saves made, and the occasional big check that brought the crowd to life. The final 90 seconds of the game were particularly thrilling as Boston pressed for an equalizer while Minnesota did all they could to deny them. In short, another solid game was played tonight by highly-skilled professional hockey players.
If there are complaints, it's not with the play on the ice. The women have been excellent in showing they're ready for this opportunity, and it's only going to get better as more doors open. The improvements I'd like to see include a few small things, but they're all minor adjustments. Shot counters on the broadcasts would be a nice touch. Having the officials on microphone as they're discussing a call like they do in the IIHF would proivde clarity and integrity during reviews would be an immediate upgrade. Those little details make the difference, but the devil's in the details, right?
I was very critical of the league when they introduced the proposed team names, and I feel like it was a smart move to sail away from those names. These teams need much better names that incorporate tie-ins to the region and cities in which they play based on the fan support they're receiving. The fans are showing up to cheer on the players, teams, and league, so make them feel like they're part of the team by rewarding them with a team name around which they can rally and support. All in good time, though, as there's no rush for this right now as the league takes important steps forward.
As stated on Monday, the lumps they took in getting here have proven that they heal quickly based on the crowds seen in Toronto, Ottawa, and Boston. Lineups to get in, lineups to get merchandise, smiles in every corner of the rink, and fans who rose to their feet to cheer their hockey heroes are the payoff for the effort put in so far. There's no sitting back and putting this league on cruise control, though, as the PWHL still has work to do, but the early returns are overwhelming proof that the dream had by many is working.
If there is one thing I crave more than anything that I haven't seen in a lot of places, it's the women telling their stories. The human interest stories are why I cheer for players. I can look up stats anywhere on the internet and get that information quickly. What I can't find is what Hilary Knight's thoughts are about the new offerings at Chipotle or what Ashton Bell wants to do with her degree in biology. We need more of this kind of coverage so we're not only emphasizing that hockey dream is possible, but other dreams can be achieved as well. Everyone's got a story, so let's start telling them!
I want to hear about college teammates becoming heated rivals. I want to know what hated opponents in college love about playing alongside one another. Give me some authentic, organic dislike among players as well so that we have players we can cheer against when teams visit. Allow more interviews with more outlets where the women can use that media to talk about their struggles and how they overcame them so they inspire the next generation to continue pushing the bar higher. Encourage media to speak with families, friends, old teammates, and old coaches about the players we're seeing on the ice and the coaches behind the benches. Have the players talk about their college degrees and why they chose those disciplines. In short, spread the word far and near about the all of the incredible talent that the PWHL has amassed on six teams!
For all the ideas above, though, the product has been pretty solid throughout the first three games. Yes, there's still some polishing that needs to be done on a few fronts, but the core product of highly-entertaining, professional women's hockey is certainly on display every time the PWHL steps into a building. Six cities have the privilege of carrying the torch this season, but I suspect that a lot of investors are gathering their teams to find out how they can get into this PWHL phenomenon based on the early returns.
I was always a women's hockey fan based on what you know from this blog, but seeing the PWHL play every couple of nights where the best players can strut their stuff is a dream that seemed so far off not too long ago. The dream is now reality, though, and that reality is exceeding my expectations based on what I had known and heard leading up to January 1's opening game. Seeing the tears welling up in the eyes of the women who lined up on the blue lines to be introduced to their new fans is the proof in my eyes that the lumps experienced in getting to those moments were worth it.
If you're excited for the PWHL and the potential of where this can go and the dreams it has brought to life like me, there's only one question to ask: who's got next?
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
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