Hockey, often a male-dominated sport, isn’t always easy for women to navigate. The Grand Valley State University Women’s Ice Hockey Club aims to create a welcoming environment where women can focus on the sport and refine their skills, while also creating strong female friendships.
The women’s ice hockey team allows players to compete at the D1 level in the American Collegiate Hockey Association and are members of the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association. The team began its season in early October and will finish its season in February, giving the team to build their love of the sport on and off the ice.
Forward Marirose LeFevre began playing hockey after becoming interested in watching her brother play. She became a hockey player, learned the sport, and officially signed up for the women’s hockey club at GVSU. LeFevre said the team was welcoming and supportive, even before she got on the ice.
“The hockey program made me feel like I was part of the team before I even officially signed and the team and coaches have been great ever since,” LeFevre said. “The opportunities the team has given me (have) helped me grow as a person in many ways and (have) given me a family of close friends the past few years.”
LeFevre said although she has a different perspective as a woman in hockey, facing some challenges, she said that women in the sport share the same love for it. To the team, representation matters a lot.
“I do think it is important to represent women in hockey because of the common thought that only guys play the sport and the lack of supporters women’s hockey (has),” LeFevre said.
“I believe the game of hockey is what you make it and how you see (the sport) rather than the stereotypes that typically surround it.”
Megan Osborn, a freshman defense player said she feels inspired by other players in the hockey world as a woman in a male-dominated sport.
“There are many people that say women can’t play hockey, but it is a very tough game that is awesome to play. The new professional women’s league is also very inspiring to look up to,” Osborn said.
Aside from gameplay, Osborn said some of her best memories on the team include bus rides to away games and bonding time with teammates.
Similarly. LeFevre said playing hockey at GVSU has taught her what it means to be part of a team.
“I have learned about the importance of leadership, dedication, respect, persistence, passion, teamwork and friendship,” LeFevre said. “I greatly value the opportunities that the sport has given me to grow in these areas throughout my time here.” The women’s Ice Jockey Team’s schedule for the remainder of the season can be found on the GVSU club sports website. The next Women’s Ice Hockey game will be hosted at Davenport University’s Patterson Ice Center on Jan. 19.
