USA Hockey Eclipses 100,000 Female Hockey Players For First Time In History
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Friday, March 6, 2026
USA Hockey Eclipses 100,000 Female Hockey Players For First Time In History
Joanna Gilligan of Utah was 100k registrant
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The momentum of girls and women’s hockey in the United States continues as USA Hockey announced today that the organization has welcomed its 100,000th female hockey player of the 2025-26 season, marking a milestone never before reached.
“It’s a great day for hockey in our country,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “So many people have worked tirelessly in building opportunities for girls and women’s players in our country, and it only seems appropriate we celebrate reaching 100,000 for the first time during Hockey Week Across America.”
“Reaching 100,000 girls and women playing hockey is a remarkable milestone for our sport and a testament to the volunteers, coaches, families, and communities who have helped grow the girls and women’s game,” said Kristen Sagaert, director of girls hockey at USA Hockey. “Most exciting is that the next generation is already on the ice, inspired by today’s players and helping shape an even brighter future for the game.”
Joanna Gilligan, a 13-year-old from Millcreek, Utah, was officially the 100,000th female registrant. Gilligan, who plays in the Utah Mammoth’s new all-girls league, was surprised at the Mammoth’s practice facility by two-time Olympic gold medalist and captain of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, Hilary Knight on Friday afternoon.
“The last few weeks have been incredible, a whirlwind in the best way,” said two-time Olympic gold medalist and captain of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team Hilary Knight. “To be able to share the gold medal with our respective communities has been outstanding and to top it off with the 100,000th girls and women’s registrant coming from Utah is pretty incredible. What the Mammoth have been able to do to grow hockey in this state is reflective in this accomplishment.”
Since women’s ice hockey was first played in the Olympic Winter Games in 1998, the number of girls and women’s players in the United States has grown by 257% from some 28,000 players to more than 100,000 today.
For more information contact Melissa Katz (melissa.katz@usahockey.org/908.208.2146)
