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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Hefford: NHL Could Get Behind Single Women's Hockey League

Hefford said the NHL has the resources to get women's pro hockey to a better placegetty images

CWHL interim Commissioner Jayna Hefford has had "big aspirations" to grow women's hockey since taking over the role back in August, and she knows the "key is likely forming one league" with the NWHL, according to Kaplan & Wyshynski of ESPN.com. Hefford said she wants women's hockey to "be a place where we have one league with all the best players." She added, "We're working to get there, it's a complicated road, and trying to navigate the right way, and keeping in mind that when we do it, we want to make sure it's a success." Hefford believes getting the NHL involved after one North American league is created would allow women's hockey to grow "to a level that, without that, it will take a lot longer certainly." She said, "From a playing point of view, I know the players want to associate themselves with the league. They have so many resources. It's kind of a no-brainer that if we want to take it to that next level, (the NHL) has to be a part of it." Hefford added the NHL has the "resources" to get the game of women's hockey to a "better place." Hefford: "They have the brand strength. I don't know what that looks like, whether it's their league, whether it's them being a part of the league, but I think they also will lean on the history of the game and the people that have been involved. I think it will be a collaborative effort to make sure we elevate the game." Hefford has had "ongoing conversations" with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about working together, but noted they "don't really want to get involved as long as there are two leagues that exist" (ESPN.com, 2/6).

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