Paul Stewart: Best Part of All-Star Weekend: Women's 3-on-3

I thought the women’s game was fairly entertaining. They’re were some very high-skill plays, but I expected more up and down the lineup. I was most impressed with the Canadian goalie.

The problem with this particular game is that these are the only two teams in world that can compete with each other. The drop off to the other countries is precipitous!

I don’t think there are enough good players to support a league, such as the WNBA. I view this as a small niche sport that does not have enough of a market to get started.

I hope my evaluation is wrong. I love watching women compete in sports where there is a large population/pool of female athletes to make the sport interesting: soccer and volleyball come to mind, and collegiate 12 softball has loads of talent and competition.

This is a brilliant observation about the women officials.

Regarding a new women’s professional hockey league:

They need to start small—think original six teams
They need to be in solid hockey markets
They need to market their teams and best players until everyone knows who they are
They need people/companies to invest in them

It is perfectly viable. It’s the attitudes that need to change. Women athletes are just as amazing as the men. If people knew them, had a favorite player or team to follow, it would make a big difference in perception.

This is a brilliant observation about the women officials.

Regarding a new women’s professional hockey league:

They need to start small—think original six teams
They need to be in solid hockey markets
They need to market their teams and best players until everyone knows who they are
They need people/companies to invest in them

It is perfectly viable. It’s the attitudes that need to change. Women athletes are just as amazing as the men. If people knew them, had a favorite player or team to follow, it would make a big difference in perception.
- NC Flyers Fan

They have a league already. Minnesota Whitecaps are the best team. That's all I know. Check it out if interested!