HOCKEY NOT JUST A MAN'S GAME ANYMORE

by Amanda Gunther

On Saturday March 7th, 2009 the WBS Penguins held their first ever Hockey and Heels, sponsored by the Penguins, Sorella Spa and Salon, and the Domestic Violence Center. This event was open to women of all ages who wanted to learn more about hockey, the arena, and what it is like to be on the inside of the hockey world. Hockey and Heels was a huge hit for the first year, brining in 123 women who were eager to learn more about the inside happenings of hockey and the Penguins.

The event began at 3 pm with a tour of the Wachovia Arena. The women were taken around the building in three different groups by people who work in the front offices of the Penguins. The participants had the chance to get up close to the ice, the Zambonis, and all the behind the scenes action that happens in the event level of the arena. As the ladies trucked through the arena, they were given a detailed explanation of how everything works. The participants learned how the arena can hold monster truck racing one night and then have a hockey game the next day. Although some of the women were disappointed that they were not able to tour the locker room, others were happy that they were able to avoid the stench of sweaty equipment.

After everything wrapped up in the lower levels, each group then made its way up to the suite level to see the press box and control room where the announcer sits and the writers start their stories. Many women found it interesting to see what is going on throughout the arena as they sit there watching the game.

Following the tour the women headed down to sections 104 for Hockey 101 with Penguins radio broadcaster Scott Stuccio, team captain David Gove and director of team services Jim Britt. Here the ladies were given the opportunity to learn the logistics of the game while Stuccio spoke and Gove and Britt demonstrated. On and off sides, penalties, and other facts of the game were explained in great detail by the knowledgeable trio. The guys explained what each signal made by the ref means, and what happens on the ice for him to make the call. The women got a kick out of Dave and Jim dropping their sticks and wiping off their gloves as soon as there was talk of fighting.

The clinic was open to questions, and many hands were raised. Most of the questions asked were about things that are often seen in games, but are hard to understand such as icing and who has the final say when it comes to whether or not the puck made it into the net. “It was really great... It was informative and brought down to a level that everyone can understand,” said Rose Foy, a member of the Booster Club and participant of the day's activities.

As the Hockey 101 clinic wrapped up, everyone headed downstairs to the event level for a Q&A with women in hockey. On the panel was Rebecca Bonnevier (General Manager of the arena) Katie Connors (Vice President of Business and Marketing for the Penguins), Diane K. Katlic (local attorney and head coach of a Level 3 USA team), Mary Beth Bylsma (wife of Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma), and Brett Hahn (fiance of player Mark Letestu).

Each woman on the panel introduced themselves and described a day in the life of their job, whether it be in the office, at the arena, or as full time wife and mother. After their introductions the panel was open to any questions from the audience. Bonnevier and Connors talked about what it is like to work for the arena and the Penguins. The women in the audience were surprised to hear how extensive their jobs were, and how time consuming it was to work in the hockey world. Both women described how they have to work a little harder at their job since they are “not one of the boys” in the office.

Katlic spoke about how she became involved in hockey. She was not involved in hockey until her son wanted to play. Ever since it has been a major part of her life. After years of watching the game and learning all of the details, she began coaching a team. Katlic explained how it is rewarding that they are finally starting to recognize women in the sport.

Bylsma talked about what it has been like being a hockey wife and mom, and how to deal with being moved around with call ups and trades throughout Dan's career. Hahn had a similar story; however she is a little farther from home since she has followed Mark here from Canada.

Even some of the panel learned some things about the hockey world that they never knew. Bylsma learned a lot more about what it's like in the front offices of the team and arena.

“I was surprised also to hear they are working 8-5 and also 6-11. I applaud them because that is a long day, unrecognized many times. Our hockey season does come to an end come spring or early summer but I know that the women that were represented here behind the scenes, they are still working in the summer when the team has off,” said Bylsma.

Immediately following the Q&A the women the women were given gift bags and headed over to the other side of the lounge for a pre-game mixer where the participants were able to purchase food and drinks, and mingle with the other women who participated in the event. While the women socialized with each other, Bylsma and her son, Bryan, spoke with some of the ladies about Dan's absence and how to explain to your children how fighting is not the answer even though they see their favorite players do it all the time on the ice. As the mixer wrapped up, everyone started to head up to the concourse to watch the game.

The event was a great success.

“For our first Hockey and Heels I think it went tremendously well,” said Julia Marranca, who coordinated the event. “A lot of people were asking if this would be an annual thing. I think if we would continue to do it, it would keep getting bigger and bigger.”