MARQUETTE -- They've got speed and spirit on the Berry Events Center ice, and they know how to take a few hits, but when they remove their helmets, these "tough guys" reveal they're all girl--the NMU women's club hockey team.
"You think hockey's a man's sport. You get out there and you're like, 'Yea, girls' hockey!' and people see it and they're like, 'Oh that's fantastic,'" said freshman player, Grace Larkin.
They're part of a new wave of women who have taken to ice hockey. In the past decade, local women's hockey participation has nearly doubled. Northern coaches say that the success of women's hockey on a national level has a lot to do with local numbers.
"I think the Olympics have a big part to do with that," said Coach Sean Parker. "The Olympic women hockey team, especially in the U.S. doing so well the last few years; that's gotten the attention across the country and it sparks interest."
Established in 2000, Wildcat women hockey started with little funding and a lot of talent. And even though they just closed their season with an 0-12 record, coaches say they're in a rebuilding phase. With low scores, their spirits remain high, attracting emerging talent from across the country, like the Larkin twins from Alabama, who grew up playing girls travel hockey.
"The hockey team's fantastic here, we're pretty much a family," said Grace Larkin.
"I really like the atmosphere of the Berry, and it's really nice that the community's really great, so the whole ordeal is great. I love it," said her sister, Trish Larkin.
They may seem sweet, but their dad says don't let that fool you. When they step on the rink, they're just as tough as any guy.
"Girls can be pretty tough, and they can be pretty ugly when it comes to playing the game if they have to be," said Frank Larkin. "So no, it's not a wussie sport by any means when women get on the ice."
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC