Financial Times article on British Ice Hockey.

It is very disturbing that I write this piece on the recent article that has been posted in the Financial Times.

Not only is the article degrading to women. It has a false portrayal of why women are fans of hockey or anyone in that matter.

Ice Hockey fans in general have been let down by this article, at a time when we are celebrating women’s successes in sports across the nation, we should be encouraging, not trying to deter such a strong, growing and passionate fan base. Who turn up week in week out to support their local team, their team's stars and engage with the local community on regular basis which is something that is becoming lost in this nation.

The booming industry of the hockey-romance novel should be one that is celebrated, especially with homegrown novelist and authors, who spend endless time on their projects. To be put down in such a way, such as this article has done is one that is not welcome in OUR sport or any form of life.

It is a welcome sight to see the Ice Hockey community in solidarity once more, as always happens in times such as this. Unfortunately for reasons we all rather did not occur. This sporting community is next to none and if it wasn’t for everyone playing their part in this game it wouldn’t have grown to the heights it has.

With the female leagues absolutely booming across all corners of the nation and GB women coming close to the upcoming Winter Olympics, Not to mention all the females that work behind the scenes, from medical staff to media staff there mere suggestion their involvement based on a romantic novel, absolutely appals me.

James Shannon

Over The Bench Sports Blog