Professional women’s hockey came to Madison Square Garden on Sunday, and one of the greatest athletes of all time was on hand to show her support.
Billie Jean King, one of the greatest tennis players and female athletes ever, delivered a powerful address to Team Minnesota and Team New Hampshire before the 2021 Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association Secret Dream Gap Tour game, the first pro women’s hockey game at MSG.
King, the 12-time Grand Slam singles champion and a women’s sports pioneer who founded the Women’s Sports Foundation, was at MSG to continue her advocacy for women’s hockey and its push for a united pro league.
“As you are about to take the ice on one of the biggest stages in the world, take a moment to look up at the most iconic ceiling in all of sports and entertainment, because you’re about to bust through it,” King said. “You have all done so much to advance hockey. The group of women around you represent the most accomplished and decorated athletes in the sport and in the world.
“Get ready, keep fighting for equality and equity that every woman deserves in every single sport. You’re doing something bold, meaningful, long-lasting, and there’s no better feeling. So go for it, and let’s play hockey!”
Hockey was one of the few sports King did not play growing up, though she did successfully score from center ice at a Chicago Blackhawks game in 2019. But she has been in awe of the women who play the game at the highest level and tweeted her excitment about being at the game.
“It means so much [being at MSG] because these women that play hockey have been amazing,” King told NHL Network during the second period. “It’s just so exciting to be here. I grew up in team sports … so I’m a team kid, and I love hockey, and I never was exposed to it.”
King’s involvement and attendance also left a mark for the historic game’s participants.
“I think for me the most emotional moment for me was hearing Billie Jean King speak before the game,” said Kendall Coyne Schofield, a Team Minnesota forward who won a gold medal with the United States at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. “There might not have been fans in the building, but she brought enough energy as if this building was completely full.”
Jayna Hefford, PWHPA chairperson who was watching from home on Sportsnet, said, “When Billie Jean King spoke, I had goose bumps sitting on my couch here in Canada listening to her words. It really made the night more special having Billie Jean King there. She’s an icon. She’s a legend.”
The PWHPA was formed to advocate for and advance equity, fairness and opportunity in women’s professional hockey. It has developed partnerships with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Rangers helped promote the game by sporting PWHPA hoodies before and after their game against the Boston Bruins at MSG on Sunday.
Led by Brianna Decker’s four points, Team New Hampshire built a 3-1 first-period lead and hung on for a 4-3 victory. The teams split the first two games in New York and will play two more next weekend in Chicago, including at United Center, home of the Blackhawks, on Saturday (3 p.m. ET; NBCSN).