Kelley Steadman scored the first goal in franchise history for the Beauts, but it wasn’t enough in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Pride on Sunday at HARBORCENTER.
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The New York Riveters faced the Connecticut Whale on the ice for the first time in a local community sports center in front of a sold-out crowd.
The NWHL is the first league to offer women paid contracts, the average salary is about $15,000.
Each team will play an 18-game schedule that runs through the end of February.
The Pride’s roster features many high-profile women’s hockey stars, including U.S. Olympians Hilary Knight, Gigi Marvin, Kacey Bellamy and Brianna Decker.
The arena was packed with hockey fans from across the country as the first professional women’s hockey game got under way. Things fell apart for the Riveters late in the 3rd period, though, and the Whale were able to score two quick goals against goalie Nana Fujimoto, who also plays for Japan’s national women’s team.
“We have a daughter who grew up playing youth hockey in the Buffalo area”, said Gina Koop, “and we’re strong supporters of women’s hockey”.
Members of the new National Women’s Hockey League tweeted inspiring #TBT posts on Thursday ahead of the league’s inaugural season.
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Now they hope their efforts on the ice will inspire other girls to pick up a stick.
