USA Hockey Surpasses 100,000 Female Hockey Participants For The First Time Ever
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The growth of girls and women’s hockey in the United States continues as USA Hockey announced today that it has registered its 100,000th female hockey player for the 2025-26 season, achieving a milestone that has never been accomplished before.
“This is a significant day for hockey in our nation,” stated Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Numerous individuals have dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for female players in this country, and it is fitting that we commemorate reaching 100,000 for the first time during Hockey Week Across America.”
“Achieving 100,000 girls and women participating in hockey is an extraordinary milestone for our sport and reflects the efforts of volunteers, coaches, families, and communities that have contributed to the growth of the girls and women’s game,” remarked Kristen Sagaert, director of girls hockey at USA Hockey. “What is most exciting is that the next generation is already on the ice, motivated by current players and helping to create an even brighter future for the sport.”
Joanna Gilligan, a 13-year-old from Millcreek, Utah, was officially recognized as the 100,000th female registrant. Gilligan, who competes in the Utah Mammoth’s newly established all-girls league, was surprised at the Mammoth’s practice facility by two-time Olympic gold medalist and captain of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, Hilary Knight, on Friday afternoon.
“The past few weeks have been amazing, a whirlwind in the best sense,” said two-time Olympic gold medalist and captain of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team Hilary Knight. “Being able to share the gold medal with our respective communities has been remarkable, and to cap it off with the 100,000th girls and women’s registrant coming from Utah is quite impressive. The efforts of the Mammoth to promote hockey in this state are evident in this achievement.”
Since the introduction of women’s ice hockey in the Olympic Winter Games in 1998, the number of girls and women players in the United States has surged by 257%, increasing from approximately 28,000 players to over 100,000 today.
Youth & Girls Hockey
Come Play Youth Hockey
Girls & Women's Hockey
American Development Model
