The University of Michigan is continuing to move toward an NCAA Division 1 women’s hockey program. It would be the only women’s program in Michigan, a state with seven men’s Division 1 hockey programs.
The support for this push was evident in the PWHL’s Takeover Tour stop to Detroit. The game saw a new American attendance record set. As well, the PWHL welcomed their one-millionth fan. But it’s the ongoing inequity of hockey opportunities for men versus women in Michigan that was on the mind again for many. That includes PWHL’s players and staff.
Denise Ilitch, a University of Michigan regent, told the Associated Press, it’s not a matter of “if” Michigan gets an NCAA Division 1 women’s hockey program. At this point it’s more a matter of when and how.
“I think that the decision to have a D1 team is positive, so that would be a yes,” Ilitch told the Associated Press. “I think now, it’s a matter of how do we get there.”
PWHL players showed their support in interviews, and during their walk ins. Minnesota forwards Kelly Pannek and Kendall Coyne Schofield wore University of Michigan sweaters walking into their game in Detroit. Coyne Schofield even taped an amendment to her sweater, writing on it “D-1 WOMEN’S hockey.”
Former Michigan ACHA head coach Jenna Trubiano continues her work. She has taken on a strategic advising role in an attempt to continue moving the process forward.
“I think it’s huge, I’m really good friends with Jenna Trubiano who started the whole push,” said Minnesota Frost defender Mellissa Channell-Watkins in a television interview. “She’s done incredible work for the team and the organization, and I think it’s super cool. I really hope that it happens.”
The next step in the process is the school deciding if a future program is facilities. Michigan must decide if Yost Arena can house a men’s and women’s program. The alternative is to build a new facility.
