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FEBRUARY.2016 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 23 involved at the grassroots level and really grow the game as a whole and not only develop a fan base, but also help the next generation reach this level and have the opportunity to play professional hockey. "At the end of the day, any girls who are getting on the ice at any age could be an NWHL draft pick in 5, 10 or 15 years." Garvin and her friends are positive that they will be suited up like their role models some day. For Laden and her friends and teammates, that's a pretty cool thought, too. "It is an amazing feeling to be a role model for young girls and to be a part of this new chapter in women's hockey," said Laden. "I love witnessing the excitement that these young girls have about the league and being able to share in that excitement with them during this inaugural season." The NWHL created a buzz not just in the youth teams, but also in the communities that house them. According to Rylan, each correlating city has welcomed the team with open arms, leading to a successful introductory season. "We've had amazing reception in all of our markets, and we've found an extremely passionate fan base," she said. "They're loud and they're starting their own traditions. It's really special to watch the fan base in each city evolve on its own and the rivalries start to generate. It's been a great effort from our team and from the communities, too." BUILDING A LEAGUE Expansion is the ever-present question surrounding the league, voiced especially loud from the State of Hockey. In 2014-15, Minnesota accounted for roughly 18% of the nation's total female regis- tration numbers. "Minnesota is the State of Hockey, for boys and girls, so it's very obvious that there's a great product coming out of there," admits Rylan. "It's a hotbed and it's an area that we are very interested in including [in the NWHL]. It's a market we will continue to tap for talent and potentially a team down the road. "I think the biggest obstacle with Minnesota is the fact that we would need to fly out there. Right now, we are a regionalized busing league, and it's part of our business model to keep travel costs down." Despite location and a limited budget remaining an uphill battle for Rylan, the NWHL and Minnesota, she expects to see the league continue to grow and foster the game along with it. After all, a lot can happen in 25 years. "I see the league thriving," Rylan states. "When you think 10, 15, 20 or 25 years from now, there might be a girl who started playing hockey because of the NWHL. I think that's when this really comes full circle and really becomes something special. When someone can say 'Gigi Marvin was my favorite hockey player growing up and I want to play for the Boston Pride,' that's when you know we've made it." "I see the league thriving. When you think 10, 15, 20 or 25 years from now, there might be a girl who started playing hockey because of the NWHL" —DANI RYLAN, NWHL COMMISSIONER