The Ice and the Future: Colorado's Hockey Landscape Needs a Women's Team
May 7, 2025, 11:29 am

Location: United States, New York
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1917
In the heart of Colorado, the ice rumbles with the echoes of skates and sticks. Yet, there’s a glaring absence. While the state boasts five major men’s professional sports teams, it lacks a single professional women’s team. This gap is not just a statistic; it’s a missed opportunity, a silence in a symphony that could inspire generations.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) emerged in 2023, a beacon of hope for female athletes. It has quickly gained traction, capturing national attention and breaking attendance records. In Montreal, over 21,000 fans filled the arena, a sight that could easily replicate in Denver’s Ball Arena. The momentum is palpable. Women’s hockey is not just a game; it’s a movement.
Yet, hockey remains a male-dominated arena. According to USA Hockey, only 15% of registered players are female. In Colorado, that number is slightly better at 18%. But better isn’t good enough. Representation matters. Young girls need role models. They need to see women on the ice, competing at the highest level. A professional women’s hockey team in Colorado would be a powerful statement. It would say, “You belong here.”
The Colorado Avalanche, a powerhouse in the NHL, consistently ranks among the league leaders in attendance. Yet, despite this success, the state is not among the top five for youth hockey participation. There’s a disconnect. Bringing a PWHL team to Colorado could bridge that gap. It could ignite interest in hockey among young girls, encouraging them to lace up their skates and hit the ice.
Imagine a young girl in Boulder, watching a PWHL game on TV. She sees women, strong and skilled, battling for the puck. She sees herself in them. That’s the power of visibility. It inspires dreams. It fuels ambition. A professional women’s hockey team would not just fill a void; it would create a legacy.
The PWHL is poised for expansion. Colorado should seize this moment. The league is actively looking for new markets. Denver could be the next home for a team. The community needs to rally. Fans should express their interest, support the league, and watch games. This is not just about hockey; it’s about community, equity, and the future of sports.
The conversation around women’s sports is evolving. The push for equality is gaining momentum. Women’s hockey is part of this broader narrative. It’s not just about filling arenas; it’s about breaking barriers. It’s about giving girls the chance to dream big. A professional team in Colorado would be a significant step forward.
But what about the Avalanche? They are facing their own set of challenges. After another early playoff exit, questions loom large. Will there be changes in the front office? Will the coaching staff remain intact? The Avalanche’s core is still in its prime, but the pressure is mounting. Fans expect results. They want to see their team succeed.
The offseason is a time for reflection and strategy. The Avalanche must decide on key players. Who will be the No. 2 center? Will they retain Brock Nelson, a top free agent? The salary cap is increasing, but so are the stakes. The decisions made now will shape the team’s future.
Gabe Landeskog’s health is another critical factor. He played only a handful of games this season. His return could bolster the team’s offense significantly. If he can regain his form, the Avalanche will be a formidable force next season. But uncertainty looms. Will he be ready?
Then there’s Jonathan Drouin. His journey has been tumultuous. Injuries have hampered his performance. What will the market look like for him? The Avalanche must weigh their options carefully. The decisions made this summer could redefine the roster.
The defense is another area of concern. With free agents on the horizon, the Avalanche must strategize. Who will fill the last spot? The team has a solid core, but depth is crucial. They need to ensure they have the right mix of talent and experience.
As the Avalanche navigate their offseason, the PWHL presents an opportunity for Colorado. The state can lead by example. A professional women’s hockey team would not only enhance the sports landscape but also foster a culture of inclusivity. It would send a message that women’s sports matter.
The future of hockey in Colorado is at a crossroads. The Avalanche must address their challenges while the PWHL seeks to expand. Both can coexist and thrive. A professional women’s team would elevate the entire hockey community. It would inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, to take to the ice, and to play the game they love.
In conclusion, Colorado stands on the brink of change. The call for a women’s hockey team is not just a plea; it’s a demand for equity and representation. The PWHL is ready to grow, and Colorado should be at the forefront. The ice is waiting. The future is bright. Let’s make it happen.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) emerged in 2023, a beacon of hope for female athletes. It has quickly gained traction, capturing national attention and breaking attendance records. In Montreal, over 21,000 fans filled the arena, a sight that could easily replicate in Denver’s Ball Arena. The momentum is palpable. Women’s hockey is not just a game; it’s a movement.
Yet, hockey remains a male-dominated arena. According to USA Hockey, only 15% of registered players are female. In Colorado, that number is slightly better at 18%. But better isn’t good enough. Representation matters. Young girls need role models. They need to see women on the ice, competing at the highest level. A professional women’s hockey team in Colorado would be a powerful statement. It would say, “You belong here.”
The Colorado Avalanche, a powerhouse in the NHL, consistently ranks among the league leaders in attendance. Yet, despite this success, the state is not among the top five for youth hockey participation. There’s a disconnect. Bringing a PWHL team to Colorado could bridge that gap. It could ignite interest in hockey among young girls, encouraging them to lace up their skates and hit the ice.
Imagine a young girl in Boulder, watching a PWHL game on TV. She sees women, strong and skilled, battling for the puck. She sees herself in them. That’s the power of visibility. It inspires dreams. It fuels ambition. A professional women’s hockey team would not just fill a void; it would create a legacy.
The PWHL is poised for expansion. Colorado should seize this moment. The league is actively looking for new markets. Denver could be the next home for a team. The community needs to rally. Fans should express their interest, support the league, and watch games. This is not just about hockey; it’s about community, equity, and the future of sports.
The conversation around women’s sports is evolving. The push for equality is gaining momentum. Women’s hockey is part of this broader narrative. It’s not just about filling arenas; it’s about breaking barriers. It’s about giving girls the chance to dream big. A professional team in Colorado would be a significant step forward.
But what about the Avalanche? They are facing their own set of challenges. After another early playoff exit, questions loom large. Will there be changes in the front office? Will the coaching staff remain intact? The Avalanche’s core is still in its prime, but the pressure is mounting. Fans expect results. They want to see their team succeed.
The offseason is a time for reflection and strategy. The Avalanche must decide on key players. Who will be the No. 2 center? Will they retain Brock Nelson, a top free agent? The salary cap is increasing, but so are the stakes. The decisions made now will shape the team’s future.
Gabe Landeskog’s health is another critical factor. He played only a handful of games this season. His return could bolster the team’s offense significantly. If he can regain his form, the Avalanche will be a formidable force next season. But uncertainty looms. Will he be ready?
Then there’s Jonathan Drouin. His journey has been tumultuous. Injuries have hampered his performance. What will the market look like for him? The Avalanche must weigh their options carefully. The decisions made this summer could redefine the roster.
The defense is another area of concern. With free agents on the horizon, the Avalanche must strategize. Who will fill the last spot? The team has a solid core, but depth is crucial. They need to ensure they have the right mix of talent and experience.
As the Avalanche navigate their offseason, the PWHL presents an opportunity for Colorado. The state can lead by example. A professional women’s hockey team would not only enhance the sports landscape but also foster a culture of inclusivity. It would send a message that women’s sports matter.
The future of hockey in Colorado is at a crossroads. The Avalanche must address their challenges while the PWHL seeks to expand. Both can coexist and thrive. A professional women’s team would elevate the entire hockey community. It would inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, to take to the ice, and to play the game they love.
In conclusion, Colorado stands on the brink of change. The call for a women’s hockey team is not just a plea; it’s a demand for equity and representation. The PWHL is ready to grow, and Colorado should be at the forefront. The ice is waiting. The future is bright. Let’s make it happen.