The EWSHL is slated to begin play this June in Hudson, New Hampshire. The league will feature professional women’s hockey players (including Olympic, PWHPA and NWHL) and NCAA players. The EWSHL will feature five-on-five play and will be based out of Cyclones Arena in Hudson, New Hampshire.
This free-to-play league will be comprised of 4-6 teams that will play one game per week. Each game will feature two 25 minute halves and will take place on Thursday nights. The league will consist of ten regular-season games followed by a playoff series.
Each EWSHL team will be comprised of 15 players and allow nine forwards, five defenders and one goaltender. There will also be reserve players to offset any injury absences or prior commitments by players during the summer months. Teams will be selected via a fantasy draft conducted by team captains. Captains will be announced at a later date after player applications are submitted.
Following the games, each team will be given an opportunity to partake in a skills session at Cyclones Arena led by a local professional hockey coach. The EWSHL will also provide a full-time equipment manager and athletic trainer to ensure injury care, skate sharpening and all other equipment needs.
Stats and standings will be kept and be available to the public. All games will be streamed online with broadcasters, replay and more in order to bring fans the best possible experience.
In addition, the EWSHL will also run a raffle fundraiser each game to benefit and promote the growth of girls hockey at the grassroots level.
On Tuesday, we sat down with league founder Bill Flanagan to discuss everything about the league.
