The National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) received a makeover on Tuesday, Sept. 7, rebranding as the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). The decision was made by commissioner Tyler Tumminia, who said that the name was changed in an effort to move beyond the gendered aspect of women’s hockey. “The Premier Hockey Federation is home to some of the best professional athletes in the world who deserve to be recognized for their abilities and to be empowered as equals in sport,” Commissioner Tumminia said in a statement.

From players’ perspectives, the news has brought mixed reviews. According to The Seattle Times, multiple players said the change in branding came without representation from the players association.

The first overall pick in the 2020 NWHL Draft, Sammy Davis of the Boston Pride, believes the name change is overdue. “We should be judged based on our skill and what we bring to the table, not based on our gender,” she said.  Metropolitan Riveters captain Madison Packer also spoke about the NWHL rebranding.. Packer is an original member of the NWHL and currently sits as the second-leading all-time scorer in the NWHL. “It’s important to get away from the narrative that, yeah, they’re good, but they’re ‘woman-good,’” she said.

The PHF logo spokes white lettering with a white crown in the shape of a “W” with a star in the middle of it. “I think it’s elegant, yet sharp and powerful. And resting that ‘W’ on top like that with a crown incorporates everything that we’ve been trying to do here to recognize our athletes for their talent and ability as equals in the sport,” Tumminia said.

The PHF 2021 regular season is set to get underway on Nov. 6 with matchups between the Connecticut Whale and the Metropolitan Riveters at 1:45 p.m., followed by the Minnesota Whitecaps visiting the Boston Pride at 6:00 p.m. and the Toronto Six at the Buffalo Beauts at 7:00 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of NWHL.Zone