In some ways comparing the PWHL and NHL is like comparing apples to oranges. Or because they’re both pro hockey leagues filled with incredible athletes, perhaps it’s like comparing oranges to grapefruit.
The NHL has had 100 years to set their course, but there are aspects of the PWHL in year one that are already far surpassing the NHL’s product and approach. There are ways the NHL surpasses the PWHL, but here’s a look a 5 ways the PWHL is better than the NHL.
1. Fun and Individuality
Watching Montreal’s post game on ice dance, seeing the social media content players are making at the rink, and witnessing fans and media celebrating the individualism of players, their quirks, and their off ice interests is fascinating, and it’s one item the NHL has been missing. It’s part of what has hurt hockey’s culture, where all individuality is forced out of players. It’s not to say there isn’t a team first mentality among PWHL players, but the players also aren’t programmed to be robots who can’t think for themselves, express an opinion, or show a more human side of themselves. In men’s hockey, emotion is condemned unless it results in punching someone in the face. Whether it’s Lexie Adzija or Mariah Keopple’s fashion sense, Emma Maltais’ rants on the thoughts of dogs, the on camera antics of Emerance Maschmeyer and Emily Clark, or Sarah Nurse’s interest in beauty and style, it’s all a welcomed departure from the NHL’s ‘conform or leave’ mentality.
2. Interaction with fans
If you step inside an NHL event and approach Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews without a security badges around your neck, you’re probably getting tackled. If you step inside a PWHL event and even glance in the direction of a star player, they’re probably going to approach you, sign an autograph, share a photo, laugh and smile with you, or wave from the ice. It’s not uncommon to see PWHL players responding to fans on social media, showing up at youth practices and other events, or chatting with fans as humans following games. PWHL players are going above and beyond, and it’s a new level of engagement that’s been lost in the NHL. The fans themselves are far more respectful and communal as well, which makes a difference, but young fans are meeting their idols every day, and those who weren’t fans, are quickly becoming attached to players and the league. Even at the league level, the PWHL’s YouTube channel had incredible fan interaction, including an end of year kazoo rendition of the commercial break song that is now burned into many minds.
3. Intelligible communication from GMs and Coaches
“I thought we played real good. They have some real good players that did some real good things out there tonight. We need to get pucks deep, just keep working, and give play a full 60 minutes.” It might sound a little Mike Babcock-ish, but canned responses have become all too prevalent in men’s hockey. When you do get someone who speaks outside of box, it’s generally a hot headed rant, or it stirs controversy. Through the first season of the PWHL, GMs and coaches are taking time to give well thought out responses showcasing their own personalities, highlighting the attributes of the athletes on their team, and explaining in detail the intricacies of the outcome. In Ottawa, it’s not uncommon to see GM Mike Hirshfeld share information about players returning on social media, and somehow, coach Carla MacLeod can give a heartfelt response that makes you feel like blowing a three goal lead was a good experience. For fans and media, the communication at the GM and coach level, their willingness to show themselves as people, and to treat the opportunity to address fans as just that, an opportunity, is refreshing. There are exceptions to this of course, but the vast majority of the league is going to give you a thoughtful response, an amusing anecdote, and speak to media and fans openly.
4. No blackouts
Kanata is so far from Ottawa it’s surprising Senators games aren’t blacked out in their own market. And luckily for PWHL fans the same can be said for Lowell and Bridgeport when it comes to Boston and New York. The PWHL’s decision this season to stream all games on YouTube was a smashing hit, and so far, networks haven’t blacked out any games on television. Guaranteeing fans cannot watch their team play has never made sense, and the PWHL seemingly understands that. Hopefully this never changes, because the struggle to find women’s hockey on television has hindered the growth of the sport on the business side for decades. Keeping the game accessible for all is something that will pay dividends for this league.
Related: PWHL Boston Welcomes A Rainbow Of Fans For First Pride Night
5. Celebration of diverse populations
OK, let’s not put the cart before the horse here. The PWHL’s initial hiring practices showed almost no consideration of the need for diverse thought and experiences. The league also lacks any bylaws or protocol related to equity and diversity, and has shown an unwillingness to engage in these difficult conversations. But, there’s certainly hope that with a new league, new precedent can be set. This season, the league quietly hosted very successful Pride Night’s where the crowd looked like a rainbow. The league didn’t manage to feature special jerseys, but jerseys were delayed in general, highlighted by the fact Aerin Frankel wore a Cami Kronish jersey for a chunk of the season. The PWHPA never addressed their openly transphobic board member either prior to the season, and of course there has been massive backlash related to issues in Minnesota. But the league also hired the highly capable Saroya Tinker, a sign there are plans to move this conversation forward. The NHL has backed away from diversity, ostracizing large numbers of fans in the process, and the culture of men’s hockey continues to devolve. Women’s hockey however, at the NCAA and U Sports level, and in the PHF has done a spectacular job celebrating diversity and inclusion. Women’s hockey fans certainly gave the league some grace on these topics this season, but will be avidly looking for action moving forward. If it isn’t already there in practice, the PWHL usurps the NHL in this category based on potential, and it’s an opportunity few will want to see squandered.
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