Minnesota continues to lead the country in the number of USA Hockey-registered female hockey players.  Minnesota is also home to the largest women’s hockey league in the country, the Women’s Hockey Association of Minnesota (WHAM).  WHAM is a non-profit organization operated by a Board of Directors that is elected by registered teams.  WHAM has deep roots dating back to its founding in the mid-70’s.   

WHAM offers an ever-expanding variety of hockey programs for adult women.  At present, WHAM operates a structured league with 7 different levels of play, from experienced elite athletes (including former Olympic and Division I players) to beginners who are new to the sport of hockey.  The skill level of players involved at each level is monitored by WHAM to ensure fair competition.  Teams are self-managed, which allows flexibility in terms of home ice, budget and scheduling.

WHAM has most recently introduced a Hockey 101 program, designed for women who are new to the sport of ice hockey.  New players were provided with equipment to borrow, and participated in a structured series of on-ice clinics, culminating in scrimmages so the players could experience game situations. 

A generous grant from Minnesota Hockey was instrumental in helping WHAM to develop and implement Hockey 101, and provided a great example of the ongoing cooperative partnership between WHAM and Minnesota Hockey designed to grow and expand women’s hockey in Minnesota.

 WHAM obtained the equipment from Total Hockey, which provided a significant discount both on the equipment, and on future purchases by the new hockey players.  The players were also given the option of purchasing the equipment they used for the program.

Sapa Carlson served as the program director for Hockey 101, working on behalf of WHAM with JMS Hockey and Rob Little Hockey.  Sapa started playing hockey about 10 years ago, in her early 40’s, and embodies the notion that hockey is a sport for all ages.  Having come to the game later in life, Sapa was in a perfect position to encourage other “late starters” who attended the sessions.  The program was a great success and WHAM will look to expand and improve it as it moves forward.

The 2012-13 season brought Minnesota’s hockey-playing women other opportunities to play hockey in women-only programs.  The Adult Hockey Association (AHA) has joined the fun by offering its first ever women-only league.  For those who prefer not to deal with issues relating to obtaining ice and scheduling games, AHA offers a complete package of league administration that allows teams to just show up and play, with all the details arranged by the league.  www.ahawomen.com

In addition, Hockey Finder runs women-only 11-week leagues that offer a low key approach to the game.  Hockey Finder arranges for mixed-ability level games on Thursday nights in Edina, for women looking for a less formal opportunity to lace up the skates.  From all accounts, the games are well attended and lots of fun.    www.hockeyfinder.com/minneapoliswomenshockeyleague

Of course the best news is that Minnesota’s hockey-playing women can take advantage of all of these opportunities to maximize their hockey fun.  And, they can do so with the knowledge that they are participating in programs sanctioned by Minnesota and USA Hockey, officiated by USA Hockey certified referees, and that they are covered by USA Hockey insurance.

For more information, visit www.whamhockey.org or contact Nancy Wefler at nancy.wefler@minnesotahockey.org.