I hope to be at the Olympics, but I know its not guaranteed, Llanes said. If youre banking on it, I dont recommend thinking that way. If we dont get called, well get four years of experience no one else can say they had.
Since 2017, KRS has invested millions to create an environment uncommon in womens hockey. Digit Murphy, an American who had coached in college and the professional ranks, was hired to lead the womens program. She enticed recruits with a simple, yet novel, approach.
KRS not only pays livable salaries of about $70,000 per year, but provides amenities expected of a pro team like first-class airfare, an equipment manager and ice times when the sun is still shining.
That hasnt been the case for North American womens hockey, despite Canada and the United States reigning as the sports powerhouses (several United States national team alumnae have also been KRS sports ambassadors). Founded in 2015, the National Womens Hockey League, which has six teams across North America, had a highest reported salary of $15,000 last season.
In October, Secret, the deodorant brand, contributed $1 million to the Professional Womens Hockey Players Association, a rare instance in which a party proclaiming interest in elevating North American womens hockey gave more than just crumbs.
Were pretty spoiled, Im not going to lie, said Llanes, who worked three jobs while playing in Boston for teams in North American leagues. We dont have to worry about anything. Youre hockey players.read more
While Training Continues, China’s Prized Women’s Hockey Players Are in Russia
