PWHL Physicality: Insights on Bodychecking in Women’s Hockey

Open this photo in gallery:

In a gripping showdown, Toronto’s Brittany Howard drives Minnesota’s Maggie Flaherty into the boards during the second period of an exhilarating PWHL match in Toronto on May 1, showcasing the league’s intense physicality. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has captivated audiences with its blend of speed and aggressive gameplay, sparking discussions about the role of physicality in women’s and girls’ hockey at all levels.

Players are reveling in the newfound freedom to engage in bodychecking, a departure from the restrictions typically enforced in international play. However, the inaugural season has not been without its challenges, as teams and referees are still navigating the intricacies of what constitutes a penalty within this evolving framework. The players themselves come from diverse backgrounds regarding their exposure to physical play; while some honed their skills in youth hockey on boys’ teams, others are adapting to the contact-oriented style as they progress in their careers.

“I remember when I absolutely laid out Jaime Bourbonnais in the first-ever PWHL game and I expected to get a penalty but I didn’t, and I was like, ‘Oh, we can do this?’” reminisced Toronto forward Emma Maltais, highlighting the significant shift in gameplay norms. “It was an adjustment for the refs, and the players and coaches. But after a year, we should be to the point where we are used to it now.”

New York’s Jaime Bourbonnais acknowledged the surprise that hit brought; despite her past experiences as an Olympic teammate alongside Maltais, the rules governing physicality differ significantly in women’s international hockey, where bodychecking often results in penalties. The PWHL allows for bodychecking, provided there is a clear intent to play the puck.

“I wasn’t expecting it because we hadn’t had that in our game before,” Bourbonnais reflected. “A lot of us played boys hockey, so some of us hit when we were younger, but I hadn’t done it since I was 13 years old. To be honest, I don’t think it’s still that clear. I think we’re learning as we’re going.”

“I think what the league’s trying to get away from is when you’re skating in different directions, and you’re making contact,” explained Toronto’s Renata Fast, recognized last year as one of the PWHL’s most frequent hitters. “But if you’re skating in the same direction as a player, you have that green light.”

Some players took proactive steps in the off-season to prepare for the physical demands of the league. Toronto Sceptres rookie forward Julia Gosling, who was recently drafted from St. Lawrence University, integrated boxing workouts into her training regimen. “Just to help with balance and centre of gravity before the hitting comes around,” she stated, as she transitions from the NCAA game, where bodychecking is non-existent.

Sceptres second-year forward Victoria Bach also joined an MMA gym to enhance her physicality through sparring workouts, while attending body-contact sessions with a hockey skills coach to learn how to effectively absorb hits. “I played girls hockey growing up, so wasn’t really exposed to that much hitting,” she noted. “Working on those areas, I think, will really help me this season.”

Teaching players bodychecking fundamentals has become a vital focus. Last year, Ottawa’s team brought in former NHL player Marc Methot to conduct a specialized session on bodychecking techniques.

“The upside is, it’s a fun, fast game. The downside is there were probably more injuries in Year 1 than we wanted,” remarked Ottawa Charge coach Carla MacLeod, a Canadian Olympic gold medalist herself. “It put a smile on the players’ faces to go play the game that they’ve physically trained for, and as we settled into last season, there was a lot of value added [with the bodychecking]. But we’re learning. We don’t have a history of this being part of our game, or a history of knowing how to coach it.”

Daryl Watts, who transitioned from the Ottawa to the Toronto team this season, credits her time playing boys hockey for giving her better awareness and a strategic edge on the ice. “I’ve always said that girls who played boys hockey have greater vision on the ice,” Watts asserted. “Because when there’s hitting, you have to be more aware and have your head up. I believe that hitting makes the game better.”

Minnesota’s coach, Ken Klee, remembers reviewing game films with players, highlighting moments where they left themselves vulnerable to being hit, indicating the steep learning curve associated with the new physical play style. “But by the time playoffs rolled around, our team was very comfortable with the physicality, giving it as well as receiving it,” Klee noted, underscoring the improvement made through the season.

Minnesota’s Walter Cup MVP Taylor Heise, last year’s first overall draft pick, approached the PWHL with the mindset that she was bigger, faster, and stronger than her competitors, utilizing her impressive skills honed at the University of Minnesota. In the NCAA, opponents often faced penalties for bodychecking her, but she quickly learned that the same standards do not apply within the PWHL. Heise’s realization came as she reflected on online highlights showcasing significant hits she endured. “I was getting rocked in four of them,” she admitted.

“Our league sparked a lot of conversations, and it was exciting to see our fans excited, and it was great to be part of it, but it also took a lot of getting used to,” Heise recalled. “I’d say we were all learning together, and we’re all going to understand it more this year.”

The new head coach of the New York Sirens, Greg Fargo—formerly the coach of the women’s hockey team at Colgate University—has been a part of ongoing discussions regarding the appropriateness of increasing body contact within women’s NCAA hockey, recognizing its role as a critical pathway to the PWHL.

“Much like how men’s college hockey is preparing their players to play in the NHL, a lot more of those conversations are happening on the women’s college side now, because they want their players to move on in this league,” Fargo noted. “Last year, we started to see it trickle down into the college game a little bit more. And I think in due time, it will become the standard in the women’s game.”

Physicality has sparked considerable debate within the NCAA, particularly as female players become increasingly faster, fitter, and skilled. The topic was prominent at the American Hockey Coaches Association annual convention held in Naples this past May.

“We want to prepare them right for that next phase so that they’re protected,” emphasized Nadine Muzerall, the women’s hockey coach at Ohio State University, which saw eight players selected in the 2024 PWHL draft. “It’s also a safety issue to prepare these women for success at the next level. I don’t want to throw a player in the water and hope she swims. I want to prepare her for that.”

With a few U Sports players currently in PWHL training camps vying for roster spots and nine players recently drafted from the Swedish Women’s Hockey League—known for allowing bodychecking—the evolution of women’s hockey physicality continues to unfold.

For returning players like Bach, the prospect of learning bodychecking skills at an earlier age in their playing careers is enticing. “Maybe starting earlier in their grassroots, so by the time they get to pro, they are really familiar with how to use their body,” she suggested, pointing out the immense benefit of safety in ensuring players don’t get injured during gameplay.

What insights can you share about the differences ‌in training and preparation between college hockey and the PWHL that have ​impacted your performance as‌ Walter Cup ‌MVP?

**Interview with Taylor Heise, Minnesota Walter Cup MVP:**

**Interviewer:** Taylor, congratulations on being named the⁢ Walter Cup MVP! After a season of intense competition in the PWHL, how would you describe your experience transitioning from college hockey to the professional league?

**Taylor Heise:** Thank you! The‍ transition was definitely a learning experience.‌ Coming from the NCAA, where bodychecking is often penalized, I⁤ quickly realized the PWHL has different standards. It ⁤took‌ some adjustment to get used ​to the⁢ physical play and to understand ⁢what’s ⁤considered acceptable contact.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned watching highlights of significant ⁤hits you took during the season. How did those moments shape your understanding of the game’s physicality?

**Taylor Heise:** Those highlights were eye-opening! I got caught off guard in a few instances and realized just how fast and physical the game can be ⁤here. It definitely pushed me⁢ to⁢ adapt my game and‍ become more aware⁤ of my surroundings on‍ the ice.

**Interviewer:** How do you think the league’s physicality impacts player safety and the overall style of​ play?

**Taylor Heise:**⁣ The increased physicality adds an ​exciting element to the game, but​ it does come with challenges in terms of safety. As players, we’re all learning how to navigate this new dynamic, and‍ I think there will‍ be a greater emphasis on understanding when to hit⁤ and‍ how⁤ to protect ourselves, especially as we continue to develop as a league.

**Interviewer:** Coaches have been vocal about adapting to⁤ the new rules and the physical style of play. What have you seen change in coaching strategies this past season?

**Taylor Heise:** Coaches are ‍definitely focusing more on bodychecking fundamentals and how to execute them safely​ and effectively. The emphasis has shifted towards teaching us not ⁤only when⁤ to hit, but also how to absorb hits ourselves, which is ⁢crucial for minimizing injuries.

**Interviewer:** As a former standout in ⁣college hockey, how do you feel the PWHL can influence the development of women’s hockey as a whole?

**Taylor Heise:** I believe the PWHL is ⁣paving the way for more engaging and competitive women’s hockey. By integrating physical play, we can attract more​ fans, create excitement, and ultimately push for further advancements in women’s sports.⁢ It’s a vital step in bridging the gap to the level of competition you see in men’s hockey.

**Interviewer:** what are your personal goals ⁢for ‌the upcoming season, now that you have a year of experience in the PWHL under your‌ belt?

**Taylor Heise:** I want to‍ build on what I’ve learned and become a more well-rounded player. My goal is to⁢ not only focus on my skills but also to lead by example​ on the ice, ⁣helping our team adapt to the physicality and contribute to our success as a unit. ⁤I’m looking forward to another exciting season!

**Interviewer:** Thank you for your ⁢insights, Taylor! Best of luck in the ⁤upcoming season!