The Professional Women's Hockey Players Association made history on Sunday night with the first women's professional hockey game hosted at Madison Square Garden, as part of the 2021 Dream Gap Tour.
"It's historic," New Hampshire forward Amanda Kessel said afterward. "I mean the energy even in this building without fans, it's incredible. This is a memory we'll never forget, and hopefully we'll be back."
New Hampshire beat Minnesota 4-3 behind two goals and two assists from Kessel's linemate, Brianna Decker, who opened the scoring less than a minute into the game. Minnesota rallied in the third period with goals from Hilary Knight and Kendall Coyne Schofield but couldn't find the equalizer.
"This is a huge step for us," Decker said. "We're trying to obviously build here and try to build something bigger and better for women's hockey and women's professional hockey, and this gave us huge visibility. ... That's a huge stage for us to play on, and I was really pleased with how we played and moved the puck and showed a lot of our skill."
Women's sports pioneer Billie Jean King spoke before the game, telling the players to "take a moment to look up at the most iconic ceiling in all sports and entertainment, because you’re about to bust through it."
"You have all done so much to advance hockey," King added. "... We’re so proud of you because of this right here, we’re going to stand right here beside you. And then we’re going to fight for every girl and every woman who will be standing on their skates, playing on the ice right where you are — not for years, for generations to come. So get ready.
"Keep fighting for equality and equity that every woman deserves in every single sport. You’re doing something bold, meaningful, long-lasting. There’s no better feeling, so go for it. And let’s play hockey!”
The Link LonkMarch 01, 2021 at 11:01AM
https://theathletic.com/news/a-memory-well-never-forget-pwhpa-makes-history-with-womens-hockey-at-msg/TdVEl7kIspvY
'A memory we'll never forget': PWHPA makes history with women's hockey at MSG - The Athletic
https://news.google.com/search?q=forget&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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