PWHL’s #23HourPlay: A Powerful Statement on International Women’s Day

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) found a creative and impactful way to acknowledge International Women’s Day this year, recognizing the symbolic significance of a day ‘shortened’ by Daylight Saving Time. As much of North America ‘sprang forward’ an hour on Sunday, three PWHL players made a visible statement by temporarily changing their jersey numbers from 24 to 23.

A Symbolic Gesture

The PWHL explained that the coinciding of International Women’s Day with Daylight Saving Time served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality. With the day effectively reduced to 23 hours, the league saw an opportunity to draw attention to the disparities faced by women and girls in sports and beyond.

Toronto Sceptres forward Natalie Spooner, Minnesota Frost forward Vanessa Upson, and New York Sirens forward Anne Cherkowski all donned the number 23 during their respective games on Sunday. This wasn’t just a cosmetic change; it was a deliberate call to action.

“Even though International Women’s Day is one hour shorter this year, it won’t change our celebration because women have proven time and time again, we can do more with less,” said Spooner. “By wearing 23, we’re calling for more support so the next generation of girls in hockey never fall short in what they need to achieve their dreams.”

More Than Just a Number

The #23HourPlay initiative is a “symbolic call to action,” according to the PWHL, emphasizing that equality means ensuring girls and women have equal access to funding, resources, and opportunities. The league is actively encouraging fans to contribute to organizations dedicated to supporting girls in hockey. Specifically, they are asking for donations of $23 to the Grindstone Award Foundation in Canada and Strong Girls United in the U.S.

Addressing the Dropout Rate

The PWHL’s initiative is particularly timely given concerning statistics regarding girls’ participation in sports. Research from the Women’s Sports Foundation indicates that girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. This highlights the critical need for increased visibility and support for female athletes.

Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice-president of hockey operations, emphasized the broader benefits of girls’ participation in sports. “Playing sport positively impacts girls well beyond the rink, so we’re coming together on this shortened International Women’s Day to continue our efforts to increase access and belonging for girls in hockey,” she stated.

Player Profiles

• Natalie Spooner (Toronto Sceptres): A two-time Olympic gold medallist and recent Olympic silver medallist, Spooner has 3 goals and 7 points in 19 games this season.
• Vanessa Upson (Minnesota Frost): In her first PWHL season after captaining Mercyhurst University, Upson is still seeking her first career point after 14 games.
• Anne Cherkowski (New York Sirens): A gold and silver medallist with Canada at the World Women’s U-18 Championship, Cherkowski has 6 points in 16 games.

The PWHL’s #23HourPlay campaign is a powerful example of how sports leagues can use their platform to advocate for social change and inspire the next generation of female athletes.

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