Report: Female Athlete Could Join The NHL Next Year
The NHL has yet to see a woman compete in a regular season game, though some, like Manon Rheaume, have come close by participating in preseason games.
That could all change in the upcoming season, as a number of female goaltenders are emerging as potential candidates for the role of Emergency Backup Goaltenders (EBUG) within the NHL.
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A Female Player in the NHL: An Increasingly Likely Scenario
The Hockey News' Ian Kennedy offers important insights on the evolving dynamics of the EBUG role for the forthcoming NHL season. He points out that while the PWHL has a mere six teams-likely to field just 18 goaltenders-31 women were active in professional hockey in North America last season.
""While some teams turn to beer league insurance agents, construction workers, or equipment managers, the option of professional women's hockey netminders who have stayed sharper, and in better shape in recent years will become increasingly enticing to clubs this year." - Ian Kennedy
Although no official announcements have been made, there is growing speculation that former or hopeful professional female goaltenders could very well serve as EBUGs for NHL teams.
These goaltenders could represent an upgrade over some of the alternatives, especially those who never progressed past Junior C level. If circumstances necessitate the use of a backup goaltender, the stage could be set for the first female player to break the gender barrier in the NHL.
As reported on Markerzone - REPORT: The NHL May Have Its First Female Player Next Year
| POLL | ||
3 SEPTEMBRE | 115 ANSWERS Report: Female Athlete Could Join The NHL Next Year Do you think we'll see a woman in the NHL next season? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 14.8 % |
| No | 98 | 85.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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