Dani Rylan founded the NWHL in April, 2015 with the goal of fueling the continued growth of the sport and brand of women’s hockey in North America and across the globe. In less than three years, the NWHL has grown exponentially, sparking an increased interest for the game in viewership and participation. The league has formed valuable alliances with Dunkin’ Donuts (corporate sponsorship), the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild (ownership and alignments with NWHL clubs) and Twitter (a globally-streamed NWHL Game of the Week), among others.

Rylan was named in 2015 to ESPN’s “IMPACT 25,” which recognizes the women making the biggest impact on their sport and the society in which they live. In June, 2016, Fast Company recognized Rylan as one the “Top 100 Most Creative People.” A passionate entrepreneur, she is a popular speaker and panelist at business and careers conferences from coast to coast.

Prior to founding the NWHL, Rylan was captain of the NCAA Division I team at Northeastern, where she obtained her Master's degree in Sports Management. 

Raised in Tampa, Fla. and now living in Brooklyn, Rylan continues to play the game she loves every chance she gets in New York City hockey leagues.