International Women's Day - talking with Rae Feather

Having women in sports, particularly in ice hockey, brings a dynamic and inclusive energy to the game. Their presence not only showcases skill and athleticism but also inspires future generations of female athletes. The introduction of the PWHL (professional women's hockey league) for the 23/24 season further solidifies the importance of gender equality in sports, providing opportunities for women to compete at the highest level and to be recognised for their talents on a global stage. As women continue to excel in ice hockey and other sports, the narrative of what it means to be an athlete evolves, emphasising determination, teamwork, and resilience regardless of gender.

Talking with our very own Rae Feather #11, here is what she has to say about her journey into the sport.

I remember renting The Mighty Ducks on VHS when I was 11 and kept it for a month. That was me—I was hooked; I wanted to be an ice hockey player. Having the dream was easy, but being confident enough to get on the ice was harder. I waited 7 years to play ice hockey, starting at Uni, where I found myself the only girl on the team. It was pretty intimidating as an 18-year-old. Outwardly, I was confident, but the boys had their banter, and I was left out, assumed not knowledgeable or skilled enough. I was invited to the socials but didn't go because I just felt left out. The boys couldn't understand how tough it was fitting into kit when your hormones are raging and you've somehow bloated half a stone. PMT maybe did have a place on the ice—it gave me that 'don't mess with me' vibe, and it worked. As soon as a women's team joined up, I joined and loved it. These guys got all my problems and stresses; they didn't leave me out because I didn't know the football score, but I did miss training with the boys. I liked the intensity, the competition, and the banter.

Life got in the way of hockey for a while, but after a lot of growing up and children, I started back in my 30s. Then, after COVID, and now in my 40s, I'm back playing with my boys again and loving it. I love the banter, I love playing with people half my age and older, people better than me, and people beginning in hockey. It feels more inclusive—I'm part of the team, and lots of those barriers, imagined or otherwise, aren't there.

Hockey as a female is tough; it's a male-dominated game, and with that comes a lot of assumptions. I have two daughters who both play, and when I asked them how they felt, they said, 'boys just think they're better than you, or faster than you, or you won't be any good because you're a girl'. Maybe it's an internal belief, a lack of confidence, but hockey has opened up. Both my daughters train with mixed and girls-only hockey. They've had the chance to attend girls-specific training and train specifically to their game. #ThisGirlCan has empowered them, and they don't see the barriers. My 10-year-old wants to be the first female on the Vegas Golden Knights; my 8-year-old, as a female and netminder, is maybe in a different minority, but they're not letting it stop them. Hockey is for everyone, and I'm glad I stuck it out to continue the game I love. My boys' team are brilliant, and I belong, regardless of age, gender, and the several stones I've been trying to shift for years. So, as for women in hockey, yes, we get PMT, yes, we have periods, yes, we have more body fat and big boobs (though some of the men rival mine), but guess what? We can play, we can shoot, we can fight, we can dig deep, and we can win. So, from one old player to all the women and girls out there, it's her game too, and always remember. #ThisGirlCan