A Love Letter to the PWHL: Where Dreams Take Flight

To the Professional Women’s Hockey League, 

This Valentine's Day, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you– not just as a hockey fan, but as someone who has found inspiration, empowerment, and community through your growth. In less than two years, you’ve not only given women a space to thrive on the ice but have also ignited a passion in so many of us off the ice. You’ve healed the hearts of women once told to be “realistic” about their dreams of becoming professional hockey players, and have given young girls an opportunity to now believe in the possibility. 

This is a love letter to you, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), for showing that women’s sports are more than worthy of the spotlight, and for inspiring me, and countless others to keep pushing forward in this world of sport. After all, sports isn’t just a boys club anymore, it’s a Girls Club too! 

Courtesy of Simran Sandhra, Sports Girls Club 

It’s been an honour to watch you grow. From the very beginning, you marked the start of a new legacy. You’ve evolved into something powerful, representing so much more than just a league. You are a force of change, a sign of innovation, and proof of achieving the dream. Every milestone reached was more than just a victory of points in the leaderboard, but a victory for women everywhere who dream to one day play professional hockey, and to say “Look Mom, she looks like me,” while watching from the stands or on TV. 

You’ve raised the game to new heights, never failing to give female athletes and females working in the sport the platform they deserve.The game has captured the attention of many, showcasing the skill, dedication, and heart each player brings. Every game, every goal, every cheer from the stands, you’ve proven that women’s hockey is here to stay. 

Courtesy of Simran Sandhra, Sports Girls Club 

What truly makes you special, though, is the community you’ve built. From the athletes who wear their hearts on their sleeves, to the fans and young girls with their creative posters and cheers from the stands, to the professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to people like me, whose career in sports media has been shaped by covering your teams and sharing your stories. You’ve brought us all together.

I’ve been lucky to witness the impact of change you’ve inspired on the lives of many. You’ve united women of all ages and backgrounds through the love of the game, giving us a place we can call home. Now, young girls can dream of not just being athletes, but becoming coaches, front office execs, rinkside reporters, or anything they inspire to be. The league is proof that representation matters. Your success is a beautiful reminder that women’s sports can truly thrive—and that no dream is far out of reach.

A constant source of inspiration, this league has pushed me to keep going in this industry. I’ve been able to witness the possibility of greatness when women are given the platform to shine, and for that, I’m forever grateful.You’ve given me a purpose in my work and a belief that telling these stories matters—not just today, but for the next generation of women who will follow in our footsteps. 

Courtesy of Simran Sandhra, Sports Girls Club

Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s to come. Young girls will always think of you, the PWHL, every time they lace up their skates and see the puck drop. So, thank you, PWHL. Thank you for being a beacon of hope, a source of empowerment, and a testament to what’s possible when given the opportunity. You’ve given me, and so many others, a community to call home, and we will forever be cheering you on. 

On this Valentine’s Day this love letter is for you–  for all that you are and all that you’ve inspired us to become.

With love and gratitude, 

Simran Sandhra