5 minute read
A League of Their Own: Women's Hockey in Boise Creates a Special Bond
Whether you call her a goalie, goaler, goalkeeper, net minder, or tender, she’s got the focus, flexibility, and dexterity to protect the net. PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
BY DAVE SOUTHORN
Growing up in Michigan, Jeanette Wallace had a quiet aspiration—to play hockey, a sport she loved to watch and is very popular in the Great Lake State.
The only problem? She didn’t know how to ice skate.
There also was the fact that women’s hockey was still in its infancy in the United States, not becoming an Olympic sport until she was in her late 20s.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
But after moving to Idaho, she was finally able to check off a bucket list item, and it quickly became a big part of her life.
“A friend knew I’d always wanted to play and she said ‘come give it a shot,’” Wallace said. “So, there I was, 41 years old, only had skated a few times, doing a little puck handling. When I got to shoot a few times on net, it felt amazing. That was 11 years ago, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
At Boise’s Idaho IceWorld, Thursday nights are when the women take over.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
From October to March, the Women’s Winter League occupies both rinks at the facility, with women across the Treasure Valley competing on the ice.
Some played in high school or college, some picked the sport up later in life, but all of them have found a bond over a unique hobby.
Despite busy schedules, players find time to get out on the ice.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
“I just love the people,” said Lee Ann Schlake, who has played for about 15 years, once her daughters began showing interest in playing. “… it’s like a family, a small, close community. It’s not always about the hockey, it’s about doing something together.”
Lee Ann Schlake, president of the Boise Women’s Hockey Association, has played for 15 years.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
Schlake, who is also president of the Boise Women’s Hockey Association, said the teams enjoy the competition, but above all, they enjoy the atmosphere. Many players will play in regional tournaments in Sun Valley or McCall or Utah or Wyoming—and share hotel rooms, even if they’re playing against each other. The BWHA hosts the Harvest Classic tournament each October.
“We’ll get together for drinks afterward—or sometimes even before,” Schlake said with a laugh. “With jobs, kids, relationships, money, it’s not easy for a lot of women to make it work, but we want to make it as fun as we can.”
That’s exactly what happened for Wallace.
“I like the camaraderie amongst the players,” she said. “When we play games, it’s for fun, but it’s still competitive. And it’s the best workout I’ve ever had, which is another bonus. It ebbs and flows, with people leaving and coming in, but it’s very supportive of new players, very welcoming that way.”
And there are efforts from those in the women’s hockey community to not only grow it amongst adults, but get more girls involved.
Hockey players often tape their sticks to protect from wear, tear, and damage.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
Three youth girls teams, made of girls 11-19 years old—the Fire Blades—practice at IceWorld and travel to tournaments. The Idaho Junior Steelheads also have co-ed youth teams and an all-girls high school age team.
Idaho IceWorld offers a program called Hockey Learn to Play (HLTP), which teaches the fundamentals of hockey, even providing equipment for those that don’t have it during the four-session curriculum. Schlake’s daughter, Kaitlyn, who played at Division III SUNY-Morrisville (N.Y.) is one of the coaches.
“We didn’t have many age-appropriate teams when I was growing up here, so I usually had to play against the boys,” Schlake said. “It’s gotten better…with the Learn to Play program, we hope that we can foster a love for the sport like we do, build that bond, maybe get other girls they know interested.”
It gets harder and harder to find the time in our busy schedules to truly find something we can do to relax, have fun, and just get away for a little bit. For a few dozen women at Idaho IceWorld, there’s always been one special day of the week for them to hit the ice, grab a stick, and capture that amazing feeling of the puck hitting the back of the net.
“You have to learn to play as a team, I just love the teamwork…for a long time, it’s always been Thursday nights—that’s our night, and we always look forward to it,” Schlake said.
Faceoff: players begin each game when a referee drops the puck between the sticks of opposing players.
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
IDAHO STEELHEADS SAVORING RECORD HOT START TO SEASON
Idaho Steelheads games are always one of the most popular events to check in Boise, but the 2022-23 season has been particularly fun for the home crowd.
The Steelheads won an incredible 26 of their first 30 games, including a franchise record 12game win streak from Dec. 9 to Jan. 4.
Idaho last won the Kelly Cup, the championship trophy for the 28-team ECHL, in 2007. With a strong roster, the team should be well-positioned to make noise in the postseason after the regular season concludes April 15.
To catch a game at Idaho Central Arena, contact the front office at 208-383-0080 or visit IdahoSteelheads.com.
