YORKTON - Prince Albert’s Brooke Hobson is back in the ‘Big Apple’ heading into her second season with the New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Hobson said told Yorkton This Week she’s excited to be back on the ice, adding she heads into the second season of the PWHL with a far better idea of what to expect.
I went into the (first season) and didn’t have too many expectations,” she said.
That said, Hobson said she quickly learned the league had a high level of professionalism, and was a place players could really just concentrate of playing hockey.
It helped that arena seats were generally full too through season one.
“The fans have been incredible,” said Hobson, adding playing before near full houses every night certainly made the experience of the PWHL better for the players.
And, now season two looks to build on what was achieved in season one.
Hobson said seemingly smaller things help with that growth – pointing to the league’s six franchises coming forward with team names and logos in the off season. She said in season one not having logos and names was a bit of a sore spot for some fans – those who love sporting team gear in support of their teams.
Now they can.
And, Hobson, who was selected 45th overall, in the eighth round of the inaugural PWHL Draft signing a one-year contract with New York, is happy with what was created by the teams.
“I’m pleased with every single one,” she said.
Hobson and her teammates face a somewhat unique challenge with the Sirens playing in New York.
“It’s a competitive market,” she said, but added women’s sports such as the WNBA’s Liberty have done a good job of carving out a place in the city’s sports scene, and she knows the Sirens can too.
It will help if the Sirens can win more than they did in year one when they were last in the six-team loop.
“We didn’t have the season we wanted,” said Hobson, adding they are using that as motivation heading into action this season. “We have a chip on our shoulders this year. We have a lot to proof.”
While obviously focused on finding more wins this season, when asked about potential league growth Hobson said players have heard the rumours that some expansion is being at least discussed.
“I expect it at some point,” she said.
Previously Hobson played professionally with Modo Hockey of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League, and the Boston Pride of the Premier Hockey Federation.
