Free skate raises awareness for professional women’s hockey

CALGARY (CityNews) – Despite the demise of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) there’s still strong interest in starting another professional women’s league.

For little girls with a passion for hockey, there’s not much hope for a professional career in Canada. As a call to action, families went skating Sunday to raise awareness and let people know, they’re not giving up.

“We’re going to continue on fighting and make sure we have a sustainable league in the future,” said former Calgary Inferno player Iya Gavrilova.

The CWHL folded May 1, just weeks after the Inferno won the Clarkson Cup.

WATCH: What does the end of the CWHL mean?

“I would like to see a league back where I can buy tickets and bring my daughter because she just learned how to play hockey this year,” said Linda Vaughan who attended the skate.

A door closed may mean another one opens which is a hopeful thought from Erica Kromm, a six-season player with the Inferno.

“Maybe we had to go through it to create a league that is sustainable.”

Women and allies of the sport continue to raise awareness through events like this free skate – working toward another league, but Erica said, it relies on the seats in the stands.

“The only way you’re ever going to have something that continues to grow is if you have continued fan support,” said Kromm.

Sports reporter with 660 NEWS Sandra Prusina sees the gravity of a women’s league folding, leaving a hole in athletes dreams.

“As a broadcaster and a fan, it was really difficult because I knew the hard work that these women put in.”

She sees hope in the efforts going on behind the scenes.

“It speaks to how much they’ve come together and how much they want this to work and for there to be one true professional women’s hockey league.”

Many believe that with tribulation comes a strength that will prevail from the women in hockey, now and in the future.