The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association announced a change in their leadership today. Jayna Hefford will assume the role of their Operations Consultant, which was previously held by Brian Hicks.
Hefford will handle the day-to-day operations of the 173-player association as well as “helping increase revenue, sponsorships, and opportunities for the future of women’s hockey.”
The four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, and former interim commissioner of the CWHL is uniquely qualified for this position. As she notes in the release, she has vast personal experience with many of the players involved in the PWHPA. She was a original member of the CWHL and saw firsthand the growth, and eventual closure, of the league. Her experience on and off the ice with the CWHL should prove to be a tremendous asset to the PWHPA and its pursuit of establishing the next chapter of professional women’s hockey.
“I care deeply about them and this sport which has defined who I am for so long,” Hefford shared. “The things I value are things I learned through this game and pass onto my children. And it’s that next generation I’m thinking about as I say I’ve never been more positive about where the game is headed and the opportunities young girls will have. I think we’ll look back years from now and see this as a pivotal moment for triggering change and I’m excited and honored to be a part of it.”
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PWHPA solidifies leadership group, plans for future
According to an ESPN article, the nine chapter regions have secured training opportunities for players in the association. There are also plans for at least six showcase events, the first of which will be this fall and is expected to be announced soon.