Elite Women’s Summer Hockey League

Official league press release from March 9th, 2020:

Hudson, NH – The Women’s Hockey Tribune is extremely excited to announce the formation of the Elite Women’s Summer Hockey League. The EWSHL, which will feature professional women’s hockey players (including Olympic, PWHPA and NWHL) and NCAA players will begin play this summer. The EWSHL will feature five-on-five play and will be based out of Cyclones Arena in Hudson, New Hampshire.

Cyclones Arena hosted the first PWHPA Dream Gap Tour stop held in the US in October 2019.  The arena was sold out for the weekend event, an indication that the EWSHL will draw crowds and is easily accessible to fans.

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.

Professional and NCAA players are welcomed to apply for entry into the league.  The exact number of teams to play in the league will be determined by the amount of applicants.  Applications can be sent to Alex Thomas via The Women’s Hockey Tribune website (https://www.thewomenshockeytribune.com/).

Cyclones Arena is located at 20 Constitution Drive, Hudson, NH 03051.

For more information, contact Alex Thomas at [email protected].