So far this NHL season, two female Olympians have practiced with teams. Hilary Knight is thought to be the first non-goalie to ever practice with an NHL team, the Anaheim Ducks. Anne Schleper is the second, practicing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Both U.S. Olympians used these practices to help raise awareness for International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend on October 11-12. This is an event that is a weeklong campaign to help introduce young girls to the sport.
Both teams participated in the event. Schleper conducted street hockey clinics along with practicing with the Lightning. Both were part of a ceremonial puck drop during the teams’ games within the week.
The steps being taken by the league and these women are huge strides for the sport. Their participation also gives a highlight of their skill and efforts in the Olympics. Both Knight and Schleper were on the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s team that won a silver medal.