Coed hockey? Bad idea or a no-brainer?

Question

I've played coed since I started playing hockey four years ago. I learned to play at an early morning practice with a bunch of guys who were a billion times better than I was, and taught me everything I do right about the sport now, including how to be aggressive and how to be sportsmanlike -- two of the most important things I've carried with me since.

Someone told a girl who wants to learn hockey in her question below that she shouldn't compete with men in hockey. That she should stick to girls' leagues and playing with other women. This would also mean she's not allowed at stick time and pickup games. Right?

What do you all think? I've played coed until just recently, and never felt like I was at a disadvantage. I'm not big, but i'll grind and dig in and push and shove if I have to. I've been in the box for a fight or two.

Right? Wrong?

It never even occurred to me I shouldn't be on the ice with men, even when I'm the only girl there.

Your opinions?

I should add that I'm going to keep playing with the guys regardless of the answers -- I'm not looking for validation. Just curious if people honestly thought girls and guys shouldn't play hockey together.

Answer 1

IMHO, there's nothing wrong with coed hockey. Once you resolve all the "logistics", such as locker rooms, all the on-ice issues shouldn't be a big deal.

All adult (notice that I didn't say "men's leagues") leagues that I have played in have been "no-check", so nobody should be running anyone anyway. Of course, there is always incidental contact in hockey; no way around it. But, if we have faith in the hockey equipment manufacturers (and we do), no one should get hurt.

Most adult leagues do their best to categorize the leagues by skill level. Check out the NESHL. As long as like-skilled players are kept together, no matter the gender, there shouldn't be any problems, and the games should be competitive and enjoyable.

I've always noticed that the biggest problems occur when when there is a large diffference between skill levels. Lower skilled players sometimes use excessively physical means to "keep up" with higher skilled players, and emotions get elevated when players get frustrated. Refs can only do so much, especially if the participants aren't always as emotionally mature as they are physically (i.e. cement heads).

So, my answer is, if you can play, you should be able to play.

Quick story:

When I was a freshman in college, and playing intramural hockey, one game I showed up late, and had a new defense partner. This partner was a little smaller than me (I'm not too big anyway), but was a great skater, and pushed the puck well. Our line scored a goal in the first shift, and went to the bench for a change. When I told my partner "GOOD PLAY", sure enough, it became clear to me that my partner was a young lady. Keep in mind, I was a relatively accomplished player; high school varsity in a very competitive division. She kept up fine, and I doubt that anyone on the other team even knew that my partner was female (full wire cage, hair underneath the helmet, etc).

Answer 2

No brainer dude! I love coed anything. Girls can be just as aggressive as guys, I know this from personal experiences (good and bad). There's a girl on my hockey team and she's our most aggressive player. She's pretty much one of the guys and I never even thought twice about her being on the team. Some sports need to be separated by sex but hockey isn't one of them. Plus chicks who play hockey are hot 9/10 times so that's a bonus

Answer 3

First off, I've advised yahoo of Islander Fan. Who gives a bad team a bad name.

Secondly, one of the best goalies in our unofficial league is a woman. I would discriminate against someone based on them being a jerk or them being at such an entirely low level that they can barely skate down the rink, but I would never say a person couldn't play based on gender.

I play against a broad spectrum of talent, and like what I do with everyone else, I would play up to or down to her level. If she is new and has a problem getting the puck out of the corner, I'm not going to drive into her and show what a tremendous player I am (compared to someone who has been on skates for a month). Just the same, if she has been playing for years, I will go in there and get the puck however I can - while still displaying the sportmanship I would show to anyone else.

In the end, this isn't 4th grade with boys on this side and girls on that side. Heck, just drop the puck already!

Answer 4

I played hockey from age 5 until late teens and the most fun I ever had was when our high school team played the girl's basketball team in a game of hockey during our winter carnival. Lots of fights(wrestling) but there was a handicap for us, we could only wear 1 skate. What a blast. But seriously, women can do everything a male can do and if they have the ability to compete, then bravo. Did you know there has been a female goalie play in the NHL, just pre-season mind you so compete away girls...

Answer 5

I think its great playing with guys! I've been playing with guys since I was 5. I'm now starting my freshman year in highschool, and we only have one team, and its co-ed. I'm also starting my first year in midgets. So I think its awesome, if we can keep up and play as well as them, then why not? I'm sure guys on the other teams I have played have had things against me since I am a girl. But I have definitely take hits, just as I give em out. I try as hard as they do. Dont get me wrong I have gotten and get crap about it from some people. But other people thinks its great. I have thought about playing on a girls team, but its just not for me. Thats the same with me, it never occurred to me that shouldnt be out there with guys. I'm just doing what I love.

Good Luck with Hockey in the furture!
=]

Answer 6

I can not believe someone would say a thing like that. Actually, I can. It has been told to me several times. And most of the times in a very mean way. I play with guys to this day, and I love it. I also play girls. I do not know which one I like more, boys is rough and I get hit very hard (I'm a goalie), and girls I actually feel like part of the team. But I do know that I need both of them. Without one I would be uneven, and my teams would too since I am the only girl on my guys team, but also the goalie on both teams. I need to be harassed by the guys, but I also need encouragement from the girls. It is just the way of life. You need to be around and play with boys and girls so that you know how to act around them, and so you can know how to talk to them.

Answer 7

K...I agree with you to a certain extent....
Just pick-up hockey or a scrimmage...
I have played with women in a non contact league and have had no problems,other than a few women coming into the game thinking that all the guys think she can't play and her having an attitude......
Oh well,I do understand that attitude......
BUT........there is now way women should play a contact game........
As I am 6'3",230 pounds,I personally have a huge problem playing a contact game with females......
I hope it doesn't sound sexist,but I play hard and if I were to smoke some female with a hit in the neutral zone........I highly doubt she is going to be able to continue the game!
And seeing as she is playing a contact game,she should expect to be hit,right?
I would feel like complete s**t,if that happened.......
So in my opinion.....
Non-contact yes......
Contact no.........

Answer 8

I don't see anything wrong with coed anything. What's wrong with a girl playing with all the guys? Maybe they're afraid of the competition! =) If a girl has a passion for a sport, and the only thing stopping her from playing are stupid people saying you shouldn't be allowed to play with boys, I say screw them and you do what you want. If you can play rough with the guys, there aint a damn thing wrong with it. You keep doing your thing girl, I know a lot of young ones look up to you!

Answer 9

Why not... I'd let you play on my team.. especially after the game in the locker room, the showers... I'm there! OK, no, seriously... if a 'girl' is good.. she's willing to play with the 'big boys' and can dish it out and take it, why not. Some times girls leagues just don't cut it for girls that can play hockey well. Go for it.. Play!

Answer 10

i think it doesnt matter. girls can play just as physical as guys. some even more. playing co-ed sports is awesome. i think its the most fun you could ever have!!