The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association and the NCDC have come to an agreement to begin a series of exhibition games beginning with this upcoming season.
The PWHPA’s New Hampshire team will play each NCDC team once.
“I am extremely excited to see our NCDC teams participate in an exhibition series with the PWHPA,” USPHL Commissioner Richard Gallant said. “To bring young men and women together to showcase their talents in front of a wide audience of aspiring young players and fans will create lasting memories for all involved. The USPHL is a proud supporter of the PWHPA and we look forward to maintaining this relationship in the years to come.”
Costs associated with the games will be picked up by the NCDC member teams, according to the league. The games will follow junior hockey protocols, the league said.
The PWHPA is in its second season, forming last year after the Canadian Women’s Hockey League folded. The PWHPA announced a new training hub structure this past spring, with hubs in Toronto, Montreal, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Calgary.
“The PWHPA is excited to join forces with the USPHL in a partnership that will allow our members to have more local opportunities to compete,” Jayna Hefford, PWHPA Operations Consultant, said. “We applaud the vision and focus on inclusivity that the USPHL has shown, and we look forward to helping to grow the game together, for everyone.”
The PWHPA’s New Hampshire hub will play its home games at the Cyclones Arena, which is also home to the Northern Cyclones (an NCDC member team).
“It’s a tremendous gesture by the USPHL and NCDC owners and coaches to support the PWHPA’s mission of obtaining a sustainable professional hockey league,” Northern Cyclones NCDC head coach and New Hampshire regional training hub GM and coach Bill Flanagan said. “These games will provide the women with outstanding competition to continue their hockey development.”
