MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // FEBRUARY.2017
18
F
rom the first moment boys step onto
the ice there's a dream of making the
National Hockey League. The Show.
"I want to be the next Zach Parise."
"I want to be the next Matt Niskanen."
"I want to be the next…"
The list goes on and on. For girls, the dream is a
little bit different.
"I want to make it to the University of Minnesota."
"I want to make it to Minnesota State University."
"I want to be on the U.S. National team."
And more recently, "I want to play with the
Minnesota Whitecaps."
Girls' hockey has transcended over time. It's an ever-
changing landscape, with more and more girls coming
out to local rinks each and every year. In 2015-16 there
were 13,354 girls/women registered to play hockey in
Minnesota—2,104 in 8U alone. In 1990-91 there were
only 961 girls/women registered in the State of Hockey.
"Girls' hockey has made tremendous strides," said
Laura Halldorson, former coach of the University
of Minnesota women's team, now working with the
Whitecaps. "I think it's awesome that little girls can not
only dream of playing for their college team but for a
professional team and in the Olympics."
With the help of the Whitecaps, girls continue to be
reminded of all that is possible if you love the greatest
game on ice.
The Minnesota
Whitecaps encourage
female players of all
ages to carry on their
love of the game.
By JESSI HINRICHS
PHOTOS:
ELITE
LEAGUE
Makin'
Waves
