ST PAUL, Minn. — There are, and have been, so many women who compete at the highest level.
But former hockey players will tell you the biggest change, as of late, is increasing its visibility so young girls can not only see it, but dream it.
It also helps that Minnesota just took home the championship Walter Cup in the Professional Women's Hockey League's inaugural season.
"They're getting the credibility and the exposure that they've deserved," said Roseville-native and longtime player-turned-coach Winny Brodt Brown.
Brodt Brown started skating with her siblings at just 18-months-old. She played with boys until her senior year when the state first sanctioned girl's high school hockey. She eventually joined the University of Minnesota's team and then won a championship with the White Caps.
When asked about the biggest change in coaching, she noted how the game is more advanced with more body contact now. Checking isn't allowed, but the new league does recognize more hitting -- just one toughness trait exhibited by players.
"It's one of those things I've known all along, that girls and women can handle it because I was part of it. Growing up with boys, I checked up until I was 17 years old," said Brodt Brown. "It's nice to see the sport realize that these women and athletes, treat them the same, and they can take that physicality."
There are six teams in the league, including Minnesota. It held its first PWHL draft in September, when the team selected former University of Minnesota center, Taylor Heise, as its first No. 1 pick. At least eight homegrown players ended up joining the team's preseason roster.
"Just seeing those girls, they grew up here, and so for the little girls watching, they can say she did that, she played at my high school or she did this at the collegiate level and so can I," said Brodt Brown. "The visibility, I think, is the biggest thing because everyone has always talked about women's hockey, but now people are actually getting to see a whole game and see the whole picture of it."
It's easy to watch women's sports shine, but sometimes, you have to know where to look. Experts will tell you: Investing in more time and attention gives fans an easier shot at finding their favorite.
"I think that's what makes the women's movement more powerful because it's not just about women supporting women, it's everybody," said Brodt Brown.
This is the first Minnesota pro sports team to bring home a title since the Lynx did it in 2017. It's only fitting there's a celebration Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rice Park Plaza in downtown St. Paul.
As of Thursday, the mayor says he's also planning a victory parade, but hasn't released any details.
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