From the stands, Alex Newhook talked candidly about his sister’s journey, the momentum behind the PWHL, and why women’s hockey deserves much more attention.
Alex Newhook was a spectator during the pre-season matchup between the Montreal Victoire and the Boston Fleet on Monday. The Montreal winger is currently recovering from a right ankle injury suffered against Dallas and is expected to miss four months. Since he didn’t travel with the team to Columbus, he used the opportunity to visit his sister, Abby Newhook. Abby is fresh out of the NCAA, where she played for Boston College. She was named captain and collected 26 points in 36 games. She was drafted by the Fleet this year and is now battling for a spot on the official roster. Alex was in the stands with his family to cheer her on.
Sitting beside him, it felt natural to ask about the PWHL and its impact. He generously took a few minutes to talk about what the league has meant for so many female athletes, including his sister. Newhook highlighted how important the PWHL is for current and future players, not only because it allows them to play the sport they love, but because it finally offers a real future in the game. He spoke about watching Abby grow up in hockey and how meaningful it is for her to now have professional opportunities that didn’t exist before. He believes strongly in the league and in what it is building for women’s sports.
When asked what the media and major corporations should be doing to give these athletes the visibility they deserve, he didn’t hesitate: “Building that visibility takes time, but I believe it will get there, and it’s deserved.” He is a clear supporter of women’s sports and of the momentum around them.
It’s no secret that women’s sports have historically been treated differently. Media coverage remains very limited, often justified by the excuse that the market is smaller or that fans don’t watch women’s hockey the same way they follow the Canadiens. But how can people watch if we aren’t talking about them? Growing the game requires visibility and everyone plays a crucial role. Whether it’s liking or sharing a post, attending games at Place Bell, or simply talking about the PWHL with friends and coworkers, small actions matter. But the responsibility also lies with major media outlets to give women’s hockey the space and coverage it deserves. Without that, real change is difficult.
These athletes work incredibly hard. Some are in medical school, others are mothers, and all of them juggle demanding schedules while playing professional hockey. And yes, women’s hockey isn’t identical to men’s hockey. But different does not mean inferior. If you truly love the game of hockey, there’s every reason to love women’s hockey for what it is.
On that note, the Montreal Victoire will face the Toronto Sceptres on December 27 at the Bell Centre. This will be the third time Montreal plays in the iconic building since the league began, and it’s a perfect opportunity to show support for women’s hockey.
