In the events of the wage dispute that has been going on in the world of hockey, the women’s teams have recently gained messages of support from the NHL’s Players Association, in addition to other groups including unions that represent the NBA, NFL, and MLB players. Octagon agent Allen Walsh also tweeted that, “Word circulating among NHL players that American players will refuse to play in men’s World Championships in solidarity with the women”. This came two days after the NHLPA released a statement in response to the initial reaction of USA Hockey to find replacements for the boycotting players.

Statement on Women's US National Hockey Team matter below#BeBoldForChange pic.twitter.com/TWbRoTtOnP

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 24, 2017

What the women are fighting for is an equality of wages from USA Hockey, who pays them “virtually nothing” during non-Olympic years, according to The Washington Post, and even then about $1000 a month in the 6 months that actually lead up to the Olympics. Meghan Duggan, captain of the U.S. nationals teams said in a statement that, “We are asking for a living wage and for USA Hockey to fully support its programs for women and girls and stop treating us like an afterthought…We have represented our country with dignity and deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.” Hilary Knight, nationals forward, also stated that “It’s a huge sacrifice that we’re putting the world championship on the line, and I think that speaks volumes. Equitable is the key word. For us, it’s not an unreasonable ask.”

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