When lstw asked me to be the guest editor of the magazine’s special section on hockey—it’s first-ever sports feature—I said yes right away.
Since the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) wrapped up its incredible inaugural season, so many people have asked me what the past few months have felt like. Now that I’m looking at it from the other side, I think it’ll take some time for it all to sink in, for me to really grasp the immensity of this new era. It far exceeded any and all of my expectations and my peers’. It was a whirlwind in every way imaginable, and the best part is we’re just getting started. And the fans! I can only sit back in awe that so many have embraced the league, the sport and each one of us.
Of the many, many things women’s sports do so well, bringing communities together is perhaps the most significant. While hockey isn’t always a safe space, the PWHL welcomes everyone. For the 2SLGBTQIA+ folks within and outside the sport, women’s hockey is about positivity and visibility—something our community and our league work each and every day to continue to improve. The PWHL, along with the sport of women’s hockey, have not only allowed me the space to discover my true self but have also created an environment for fans and players to proudly shine in their own skin. I’m part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I’m a lesbian, and I play hockey. Professionally. Day in and day out I get to live an authentic life surrounded by the greatest in the world at my sport, all while being accepted for who I am. As long as it may have taken to get to this point, we got here and we’re not going anywhere.
As you turn the pages, you’ll see artwork by Cara Erskine that made me smile and read words of wisdom from Julie Chu, an inspired and inspiring player and coach who’s had an impact on so many hockey careers, including mine. Carly Jackson explains how her goalie gear is a form of self-expression and shares some fashion tips to be on point for your next walk-in, no matter where or what you’re walking into. And you’ll meet Laura Stacey and Marie-Philip Poulin. You’ll get to know the two of them as a couple, which we love more than anything, but who they are as individuals is really what makes them so incredible. Marie-Philip is the most genuine, caring and humble human beings I have ever met, and I don’t even need to mention what she brings to the game of hockey and the world of sports. Laura Stacey…oh where to even begin?! My friend for over 15 years, and we’ve been through it all. The energy she brings to every room she walks into is unmatched. Wildly talented, but my goodness they’re the absolute worst texters out there. Still, they’ve most definitely entered their icon era.
– Erin Ambrose
Read Defending on all fronts.
Read All that’s to come.
Read All there is.
Get our poster to read the interview with Marie-Philip and Laura.
Credits:
Magazine’s Editor & hockey feature writer : Lisa Cecchini
Photography : Arianne Bergeron
Creative Direction : Carolyne De Bellefeuille