In Defense Of “Ice Girls” Part 1
Over this off-season there has been heavy media attention of the “Ice Girls” throughout the NHL. With majority if not all of the attention being negative; most recently with the article in The Hockey News, I took it upon myself to try to shed light on what it means to be an “Ice Girl”. Seeing as I am not female or in the physical shape to do what these ladies do every game, I have found a former “Ice Girl” of an NHL franchise that was willing to sit down with me and answer some questions for a two-part interview. To keep her from receiving any unwanted attention that this story may bring she has asked that I keep her name and which team she worked for out of the article. For the purpose of this article I will call her Zoe. I’ve chosen to leave the interview as is and not take away from any of what Zoe had to say. Seemed only fair considering the things being said about “Ice Girls” by other sources.
“There is much more to an “Ice Girl” than just skating on the ice during intermissions”
First, I think the question people will want to know the answer to up front. Are you a hockey fan?
“Yes, hockey is my favorite sport! I will admit there are a few girls on the team that were not hockey fans prior to making the team, but grew to love the sport. There are also quite a few ice girls on my own crew and many other ice crews that play hockey as well!”
How long were you an ice girl?
“I was an ice girl for 3 seasons.”
What is the general reception you receive from fans at games and events?
“Fans are often excited to take photos most surprisingly usually opposing team’s fans, and many are intrigued with questions about what ice girls do, and what the vibe on the ice is like. Fans are very interested in what its like to be on the ice during a game; what’s the mood like, do the players say anything, what’s it like being in front of thousands of screaming fans, etc, They can sort of get another perspective of the game, which makes them feel part of the team and the hockey experience; I say this, because this is what several fans have told me.
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Have you received any negativity from being an Ice Girl?
“I haven’t had anyone personally approach me or say anything to me in person, but often times you see fans that comment on social media things such as: “Who are these girls and what do they even do?” “These girls are (insert expletive here).” “I don’t want to bring my kids to games because their outfits are not appropriate.”. Usually these comments come from females.”
Do you feel that having “Ice Girls” alienates female fans from the game of hockey?
“I’ve seen fans comment on social media, usually it’s from females “I don’t want to look at girls on the ice; I paid to watch a hockey game, they have nothing to do with hockey.” Well, ice girls are only on the ice when the game is not in play, so your hockey game you paid to watch is not being obstructed at all. No one’s forcing you to look at the girls when they clean the ice to help make sure the game, the game you paid to watch, runs as smoothly as possible.”
To read what else Zoe had to say, be sure come back for Part 2.