Female Hockey Players Finally Have a League They Can Be Proud Of And It’s Called The PWHL

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has finally launched and the decorated female professional hockey players celebrated their opening weekend.

Before this year, there were a few unsuccessful professional leagues. One was the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association and the Professional Hockey Federation. And years before those even formed there was the National Women's Hockey League and the Canadian Women's Hockey League. Due to lack of funding and no television rights, all of those leagues eventually folded. But that's when the PWHL was born.

The PWHL now has the biggest stars and best talent in women's hockey. Many of the players played in the Olympic games for Team USA, Team Canada, and other International Olympic teams. The PWHL consists of six new talented teams across North America. There are three who represent Canada- Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. And then there's three teams that are located in America- Boston, New York and Minnesota.

This league is the first of its kind. It's the first that has had huge media and television sponsors. You can catch the PWHL on NESN, MSG Network, CBC, TSN, RDS and Sportsnet. You might have even caught Boston's first home opener in person at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on January 3rd, or live on NESN.

PWHL Boston played PWHL Minnesota in their opening weekend in Lowell, MA at the Tsongas arena. That's where all of PWHL Boston's home games will be played. My husband, Rob Bellamy, was a former professional hockey player. He went to the game and reported back the following:

"The attendance was amazing. There were about 3,600 people inside the arena. Many of the spectators were families and a lot of youth girl's teams. But there was clearly support from higher-ups too. The General Manager of the Boston Bruins, Don Sweeney, was in attendance. Along with former Bruins Captain and future Hall of Famer, Patrice Bergeron, who dropped the ceremonial puck. And also another former Bruin was there, Adam McQuaid, who currently works as Player Development Coordinator for the Boston Bruins. There was a lot of hype and buzz around the league and the team."

Rob also said that the product on the ice was very impressive. It was good pace and electric for the fans.

My husband's sister is a former Olympic Gold medalist in women's ice hockey. Her name is Kacey Bellamy and she's won two silver medals and one gold for America. (Talk about trying to live up to the family name when I go over there for holidays!)

While  Kacey's not playing in this league, I asked her about what she thought of a lot of her former teammates playing in the PWHL. Kacey said, "The Professional Women's Hockey League represents a historic leap in women's sports, providing a professional and equitable stage for female hockey players. It provides significant opportunities for the current and next generation, offering new dreams and pathways in hockey beyond the Olympics and national teams."

Sadly, PWHL Boston lost their first home game, but you'll have more chances to cheer them on this season in Lowell. The team has three more home games (January 8th against Ottowa at 6:00pm, January 20th against NY at 12:30pm, January 27th against Minnesota at 4:00pm). Tickets can be found at If you can't catch the games in person, you can watch them live on NESN.

This is how much money the top 6 players on the Boston Bruins are making.

As the Boston Bruins celebrate a century of historic ice hockey, it's only fitting to shine a light on six current players who not only command the highest salaries but have also solidified their places as franchise icons. From jaw-dropping saves to game-changing goals, these athletes exemplify why they are worth every penny to the city of Boston.

NHL hockey salaries tend to be more conservative than other professional sports leagues. The reason is because the NHL restricts teams from spending above a specified threshold on player salaries. The salary cap for each NHL team is $83.5mil.

While the NFL also operates under a salary cap system, its cap is generally higher, allowing for bigger contracts. Secondly, MLB, with no salary cap, sees massive contracts for its marquee players. A lot of that is due to the lucrative TV contracts and endorsements. The NBA, meanwhile, has fewer players on each team roster compared to the NHL, which means more salary to go around for its stars.

Additionally, global endorsements and larger TV deals in the NBA and MLB contribute to higher player salaries relative to the NHL. Don't let that mislead you though. Hockey players are still making a LOT of money. It's just that they're not making as much as the other professional sports leagues.

As the Boston Bruins mark 100 years of excellence, the contributions of these six top earners are evident in every game, every play, and every moment on the ice. The city of Boston doesn't just pay these athletes; they invest in them. And it shows! The Bruins have won the Stanley Cup six times (1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972, and 2011). Here's to another century of iconic players and unforgettable moments!

Goalies are often the unsung heroes, but Ullmark's contributions cannot be understated. His quick reflexes and calm demeanor under pressure have bailed the Bruins out on numerous occasions. In clutch situations, Boston can rest easy knowing Ullmark is guarding their net.

Contract: 4yrs at $20mil
Signing Bonus: $3mil
Average Salary: $5mil/year

Versatility is Coyle's middle name. Able to excel in various roles and situations, his adaptability makes him a coach's dream. Whether it's anchoring a critical penalty kill or providing offensive sparks, Coyle has shown time and time again why he's an essential part of the Bruins' core.

Contract: 6yrs at $31.5mil
Signing Bonus: $1mil
Average Salary: $5.25mil/year

The embodiment of passion and grit, Marchand has long been a fan favorite. His relentless drive, combined with his knack for producing at crucial moments, makes him an indispensable asset. While he's known for his fiery spirit, Marchand's consistent performance and leadership qualities underscore his worth to the franchise.

Contract: 8 yrs at $49mil
Signing Bonus: $24mil
Average Salary: $6.125mil/year

Another defense stalwart, Lindholm, brings a balanced mix of physicality and technical prowess. His timely interventions, coupled with a keen sense of positioning, make him invaluable to the Bruins. Lindholm's ability to contribute both offensively and defensively ensures that Boston's investment in him is money well spent.

Contract: 8 Yrs at $52mil
Signing Bonus: $10mil
Average Salary: $6.5mil/year

McAvoy is the epitome of defensive excellence. Combining strength with finesse, he's proven himself as a cornerstone for the Bruins' blue line. With McAvoy on the ice, opponents find it increasingly challenging to penetrate the Bruins' defensive zone, and his presence has been pivotal in the team's most significant victories.

Contract: 8 yrs at $76mil
Signing Bonus: $26.5mil
Average Salary: $9.5mil/year

Leading the pack is David Pastrnak, a dynamo on the ice. His unparalleled puck-handling skills, sharpshooter mentality, and uncanny ability to find the net make him a defensive nightmare for opponents. Pastrnak's impact on the Bruins' offense is palpable, often serving as the driving force behind crucial goals and game-winning plays. It's no wonder he tops the earnings list; his value to the Bruins is undeniable.

Contract: 8yrs at $90mil
Signing Bonus: $26.5mil
Average Salary: $11.25mil/year