Women’s Hockey Notebook: Still nothing on the Winter Classic; concussions in women’s game

Posted on by Jen Neale

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(Catch up on the New York Riveters time in Japan as they played a three game series against the women’s national team, best known as, Smile Japan.)

LINE RUSHES

1. For the third week in a row, I lead off with the yet-to-be-announced-officially game at the Winter Classic between the CWHL’s Les Canadiennes de Montreal and the NWHL’s Boston Pride.

What’s different this time? AB-SO-FRIGGIN-LUTE-LY NOTHING.

And that’s the problem. Another week has gone by without an official announcement about the game. What should be a celebratory moment is looking like a circus. Not sure why the powers that be had Elliotte Friedman “leak” the announcement weeks ago when all three sides aren’t ready to talk.

2. Before you go any further, read this column from the New York Times: “Women’s Hockey Grows Bigger, Faster and Dire.” Concussions aren’t limited to the men’s game. 

It really sucks to have all this growth in women’s hockey and not have Amanda Kessel as a part of it.

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Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin became brand ambassadors for Gatorade Canada this past week. Hi-jinx ensued. 

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AROUND THE RINKS

“The story so far: CWHL and NWHL (Part I).” Incredibly well written and insightful piece about the two leagues and the controversies surrounding them.

“The story so far: CWHL and NWHL (Part II).” The follow up piece to the one above addressing the outdoor game mismanagement and history of the CWHL.

“The evolution of NWHL practice players.” The players who were thought to be backups are now becoming integral parts of their NWHL team’s lineup.

“From blue-liner to bench boss.” Toronto Furies Lexie Hoffmeyer has grown into her role as assistant coach and social media guru for the team.

“All I want for Christmas is Waffles.” Boston Pride defenseman Alyssa Gagliardi pens a tale about being a kid playing multiple holiday tournaments on the road and one of her favorite parts – brinner (a.k.a. breakfast for dinner).

New York Riveters’ Jenny Scrivens: How to prepare for a game, rebound from a bad goal. Scrivens also dispels the myth all goalies are wacky.

“The next step in hockey great Cassie Campbell-Pascall’s trail-blazing journey.” The Canadian hockey legend is part of the CWHL’s governing body and is working to use her influence to give women the chance to play pro.

“It’s been a whirlwind season for Meghan Duggan.” The Buffalo Beauts star sits down for a Q&A.

“Dru Burns proud to represent Boston Blades at upcoming CWHL All-Star Game.” From Shattuck St. Mary’s to Boston College to the CWHL, the Blades blueliner is seeing her hard work pay off as she was named to her first All-Star Game.

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PODCASTS

Don’t Snow the Goalie: The NWHL-CWHL Winter Classic Debacle. [Today’s Slapshot]

Rink Around the Rosies Podcast: Episode Three. [Blueshirt Banter]

Droppin’ the Gloves with Sarah and Jackie. [Blog Talk Radio]

The Xperience: Hockey talk with Michael Lindenbaum. [Xperience Hockey]

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THE BIG SHOW

Saturday

CWHL

Toronto Furies (2-9-1) at Boston Blades (1-13-0) – 7:00pm ET ($ stream $)

Sunday

CWHL

Toronto Furies at Boston Blades – 11:30am ET ($ stream $)

NWHL

Buffalo Beauts (1-5-2) at Boston Pride (5-3-0) – 3:00pm ET (TV: NESNplus; Stream: ESPN3)

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