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A pioneer and great supporter of women in sports, the legendary tennis goddess Billie Jean King started 2024 with another achievement. Just one day after the auspicious 50th anniversary of the WTA’s official existence, she launched a brand new hockey competition for women.

Named the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), King was at the helm of it all once again. She dropped the ceremonial puck amidst hockey greats and signaled the start of a new story. Her celebratory puck garnered a lot of attention on social media, leaving fans mesmerized.

Billi Jean King inaugurated a new hockey league

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The first game of the Professional Women’s Hockey League was conducted at the Mattamy Athletic Center. Billie Jean King stood at the center of it all alongside Jayna Hefford, the senior vice president of hockey operations and five-time Olympic medalist. The momentous dropping of the puck amidst loud cheers spelled the beginning of the league and match between Toronto and New York.

Billie expressed her joy at being part of another glorious moment on social media and said, “I’ve experienced my share of memorable moments on grass, on clay, and on hard courts all over the world, and now on ice.” King said this on social media.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League comprises three teams from the USA and three from Canada. It replaced the Premier Hockey Federation, which was bought and dissolved in the previous year.

PWHL shared a video of the puck drop from the opening day, and it garnered a lot of attention on social media, attracting a plethora of reactions from the fans.

The Internet reacts to a legendary opening

Fans utterly loved seeing the tennis legend and her grand appearance on the ice. It was King’s aura that filled the air that night, along with fans’ excitement.

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A user named Mike praised the organizers for showing great initiative and taking women’s sports forward. However, he had a suggestion for them, saying they needed to bring in team names to add an interesting element.

One user wondered what the playoff format of the tournament was, showing that users were interested in the competition and that there would be eyes on it.

 

Impressed by the future of the women in the sports fraternity especially in hockey, one user seemed proud.

One user named Gail was impressed but they had thoughts about the entire organization of the event. They had some suggestions about improving the event, and how things could have been better on the opening day.

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It was truly a great way to start what promises to be a spectacular competition. What are your thoughts about the new league? Let us know in the comments below.

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