About SWHC
Overview & Our Mission
The Seattle Women’s Hockey Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-run association dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for women and non-binary individuals.
Our mission is to foster a supportive community where members can learn to skate and play ice hockey, all while promoting an atmosphere of cooperation and friendly competition.
History
In 1988, the PNW women's hockey community was founded, and the Seattle Wings Women's Ice Hockey Club was created. Over the next 5-10 years the club evolved into the Evergreen Female Hockey Association, representing the Seattle Wings with advanced play, and the Seattle Orcas with intermediate. The club was able to hold 7 consecutive hockey tournaments from 1991, and gave birth to the Seattle Women's Hockey Club (SWHC).
Thus established in 1997, SWHC welcomes all women who want to play ice hockey. Our members have a wide range of hockey experience, from none at all to 20+ years. We have nearly 200 current members and we are growing all the time!
In the last ten years, SWHC has transitioned from a recreational club providing women an opportunity to play ice hockey to a club aiming to meet the competitive and recreational goals of each and every female hockey player.
SWHC is a member of USA Hockey, and Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA).
SWHC provides a well-rounded offering to its members, both recreationally and competitively, by providing an avenue for growth and development tailored specifically for women and the female game.
About Our Club
- The SWHC season runs from September through April each year.
- No previous skating or hockey experience is necessary to join the club!
- We start the year with skater evaluations and then assign players to teams in tiers: Div 1-4.
- We have tiered games on Friday and Saturday evenings, where teams composed of players of similar skill level play against one another.
- Our tiered teams also compete in two tournaments during the season.
Our Vision for the Future
SWHC aims to consolidate female hockey players 18+ in the Seattle area to establish the critical mass necessary for driving growth, development and the level of play in a rapid manner such that the Northwest will catch up and keep up with the rest of the country.
As the "NHL To Seattle" movement keeps moving forward, the growth of women's hockey continues to grow exponentially.
SWHC believes that a firm foundation is critical in reaching its goals of providing more opportunities at every level. SWHC continues to be the premiere place in Washington State for female hockey players, providing a solid foundation and process to attain the next level, as well as a fantastic hockey, learning, and great friendship.
