PWHL Draft Shines Light on Growth of Local Women’s Hockey

 The second annual Professional Women’s Hockey League draft was held in St. Paul this week. A number of women players got the chance to present one of Minnesota’s draft picks, including one from New Hope.

The change to participate in the professional league draft meant a lot to players like Krisanthy Sikkila.  The New Hope-based player said the experience was really special.

“It’s just a great experience to see professional women’s hockey being given a platform to play on,” she said. 

Finding a Passion

Even in the summer, skaters keep the Brooklyn Park ice arenas occupied.

A group of players meets to practice weekly in the off-season for a light game of summer pickup — no boys allowed.

“It’s a hot summer day, but it’s nice to be here, for sure,” said player Mary Ellis. She drives from Orono to play at the Brooklyn Park Ice Arena.

Like many women’s league players, Ellis picked up hockey alongside her kids.

“It’s so much fun,” she said. “I started when I was 40 — didn’t know how to skate at all. My son was learning to play hockey. I just wanted to be able to go on the ice with him and not look ridiculous.”

Women’s players skate across one of the Brooklyn Park ice arenas during summer practice.

Chicks With Sticks Minnesota taught her how to play while her kids were at school 19 years ago. Now, she’s hooked and developing her skills.

Skill, Sikkila said, is a vital part of women’s hockey.

Learning those skills was a long time coming, and Ellis is grateful to have them now.

“Been the best thing ever, because it’s my thing,” Ellis said. “The kids grow up and they move out and do their own things, and I still have my hockey, so it’s fun.”

Sikkila’s story is similar.

“A lot of women that I’ve skated with over the years had never even skated, never put equipment on,” she said. “They’re fantastic skaters on the ice right now. So a lot of fun.”

Shooting for the Stars

In season, throughout the winter, teams compete against each other. In the off-season, these teams are unified. They’re also helping their sport play out on the national stage.

Sikkila, alongside others from the Women’s Hockey Association of Minnesota, presented the 39th draft pick for the Minnesota professional team on Monday: Katy Knoll.

Members of the women’s hockey association present Katy Knoll with her stick. Sikkila is third from left.

Sikkila said for the association, calling Knoll’s name was an honor.

“It was very exciting. You could just feel a little bit of the electricity in the room when you’re up at the podium on the stage,” Sikkila said.

Looking forward, she said it isn’t necessarily a sign of growth — but a sign of recognition after many, many years.

“I think it has caught fire a long time ago, and this is just giving it the… dues that it’s owed,” Sikkila said. “This could be as big as the Minnesota Lynx.”

Brooklyn Park | New Hope