Hayley Wickenheiser is often referred as “women’s hockey’s equal to Wayne Gretzky”.

She has recently joined a Swedish Division 1 men’s team Linden, Eskilstuna (Division 1 in Sweden is pretty much the equivalent of playing in the minors here in North America). Her contract runs for six months, after which she will join the Canadian National Team again for their gold-medal hunt.

I recently found this great interview done with Hayley by a Swedish hockey blogger and I wanted to share what I thought were the most interesting Q&A with you.

[You can check out the full interview by clicking here: Wickenheiser Interview]

Why did you choose to play in Scandinavia? Aren’t the AHL, CHL or other American minor leagues an option? Is there a big difference in the American & European games?

I can answer all three questions in one really. The style of play in Europe is more similar to the International game that we play at the National Team level. Focus is more on puck possession and movement and the ice surfaces are bigger, although that is not always the case. I enjoy the training and focus on the game in Europe and it’s a lifestyle that my family also enjoys living, which is important. I was offered opportunities in North America in the ECHL and CHL, but did not really pursue them as I am more interested to play over here. Part of my decision also has to do with helping to develop and expose the women’s game in Europe.

You are the best female hockey player as of today, and are on the same or better level of many male players, is it really satisfying enough to at times only play for the National team?

Yes, I love playing for the National Team. The Olympics is our Stanley Cup and when we are centralized and training full time as a team, it’s what I enjoy the most. My only wish is that we could be together full time and play 60 games every year together.

It seems ten years ago the future of female hockey looked brighter than ever, but it feels that in recent years, time has stood still and it’s promising future has fallen back into the shadows. Do you see any way it will have a more prominent future then it has today?

I think that the most important thing in women’s hockey today is to keep the game progressing and growing in countries like Finland, Sweden and Russia. It is very important that the Ice Hockey Federations in these countries provide the resources, opportunity and funding to continue to develop the game and promote it within their own countries. Canada and the US must continue to be leaders in the game and grow their domestic leagues.

I think the next big step for women’s hockey is to start a pro league. I see this happening after 2010. I think we should be able to put together a 6 team league in North America with the best players in the world playing on those 6 teams. Play in small Jr. Arenas 5-8000 people in markets that will support the game and have a 30 game season. I think Sweden could establish a similar league or possibly take the best in North America and play the best in Europe in a final four format at the end of the season.

There are many opportunities out there for the women’s game, but leadership is what is needed most at the highest levels. The NHL has expressed some interest in supporting a professional women’s hockey league, so many positive things are happening. Everyone has to work together to grow the game at all levels.

That being said and with a possible international pro league, do you think Canada will continue to dominate women’s hockey for years to come, or do countries like Sweden or Finland have a chance to break into the gold-medal spot?

As I said, it all comes down to resources. In Canada we have 80,000 girls and women playing hockey, in Sweden I think there are about 8000, so the numbers make it hard. However, we have seen in the men’s game that the numbers don’t always matter. Just look at the success of the Detroit Red Wings, with 11 Europeans on their team and the first European captain to win the Cup in Lidstrom. Anything is possible, but I can tell you that in Canada we are never satisfied where we are at. We are always finding ways to be better and stay on top in the world.

It must be a significantly tougher environment for a woman to play on a male team. Should more women being playing on men’s teams?

I have never looked at the game as male versus female. I only look at the game as a player and if as a player, if you are good enough to play at whatever level, then you should be able to play. It is certainly not easy being the only woman on the team or in the league. I am used to this since I was 5 years old, so it’s somewhat normal for me. I am fortunate in the guys on my team with Linden have been great at accepting me. I have my own change room and I join the team before and after games. As far as scoring goals or giving each other a hard time, it is normal as any other player. The guys fine me if I break rules like any other player and don’t hesitate to give me a hard time like anyone else. The most important thing for me is that I perform and help the team win, after that everything else takes care of itself.

So how do you see your own future in hockey?

I would like to be involved in the game when I retire, more likely in a management role. I would be very interested to work for the IIHF in helping develop women’s hockey around the world. I think with my experience playing in Europe, I have a good idea what women’s hockey needs worldwide and could help there.

Spoken like a true leader both on and off the ice.

Until next time,

~ Coach Kim