Ice in Their Veins, Fire in Their Hearts – an Essential Narrative of Resilience, Progress, and Passion on the Ice

Tobias Stark
Linnaeus University, Sweden

If God had intended women to play ice hockey, he would have made figure skates black.

For those of us who grew up immersed in ice hockey culture in the 1980s and 1990s, such sexist remarks were not just common—they were normalized.[1] Few questioned them, and even fewer spoke out. Yet, looking back, these seemingly innocuous jokes reflected deeper structural barriers that shaped the sport. In Ice in Their Veins: Women’s Relentless Pursuit of the Puck, The Hockey News managing women’s ice hockey editor, Ian Kennedy, dissects these barriers with unflinching honesty, offering both historical insight and personal reflection on the struggle for gender equality in ice hockey.

Kennedy’s account is deeply personal. He reflects on his early years in ice hockey, where he absorbed the sport uncritically, believing, as many did, that women had no place in the game. Over time, however, he experienced a growing discomfort: “I lived in a world of cognitive dissonance. I loved playing the game […]. But overall, I fell out of love with the game for what it had done to me as a person; for the inner turmoil it caused as I tried desperately to fit into a world I felt completely uncomfortable in.” (p. 7)

He describes a toxic culture in which misogyny, hazing, and substance abuse were normalized, shaping young men’s perceptions of masculinity both on and off the ice. His words carry a rare and necessary introspection: “The culture did something to me. It hurt me. It made me complicit.” (p. 7)

The vivid descriptions of pivotal games and the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by players create an emotional connection that is sure to resonate with readers, whether they are ice hockey fans or newcomers to the sport.

This reckoning with ice hockey’s entrenched gender dynamics forms the foundation of Ice in Their Veins. More than just a historical account, it is an attempt to understand how systemic inequalities are perpetuated and, crucially, how they can be dismantled.

According to Kennedy, it was women’s ice hockey that rekindled his love for the sport—first as a coach, and later as a critically engaged journalist. This renewed passion ultimately led to the creation of Ice in Their Veins, a work that seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked history of women’s ice hockey and the systemic barriers female players have had to overcome.

By weaving together historical analysis, personal testimonies, and an examination of institutional inequalities, Kennedy highlights how women have persistently fought for recognition and resources within a sport that has long marginalized them. Rather than merely chronicling adversity, the book foregrounds the resilience, determination, and passion that have propelled women’s ice hockey forward, demonstrating how players and advocates have challenged outdated norms and reshaped the sport.

A central objective of the book is to bring long-neglected pioneers into the spotlight. Figures such as Marian Coveny, the first captain of the Canadian women’s national team, serve as reminders that many of the sport’s trailblazers have remained largely unrecognized despite their contributions. Kennedy, who hails from the same town as Coveny (Wallaceburg, Ontario), underscores how even local legends can fade into obscurity when the historical narrative prioritizes men’s achievements. By telling these stories, he not only documents history but also engages with the broader cultural and structural factors that have shaped the landscape of women’s ice hockey.

From the foreword by Geraldine Heaney to the afterword by Sami Jo Small, Kennedy’s work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of women who have made significant contributions to ice hockey’s development. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate systemic obstacles, from unequal access to resources to societal perceptions of women in sport. The book interweaves personal narratives with broader themes of gender equity, creating a compelling account that resonates far beyond the rink.

Kennedy’s strength lies in his ability to balance two narratives: the celebration of women’s ice hockey as a space of extraordinary skill and perseverance, and the unflinching critique of the systemic inequalities that have constrained its growth. Rather than positioning these as opposing forces, he shows how they are deeply intertwined—the very obstacles that women face are what make their achievements all the more remarkable.

What sets Ice in Their Veins apart is its ability to convey the sheer passion that drives these players to excel despite the odds. Kennedy delves into the personal sacrifices, moments of triumph, and camaraderie that define the women’s ice hockey experience. The vivid descriptions of pivotal games and the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by players create an emotional connection that is sure to resonate with readers, whether they are ice hockey fans or newcomers to the sport.

Moreover, the book serves as an important educational tool for understanding the broader context of women’s ice hockey. It provides insights into the historical exclusion of women from professional leagues, the ongoing fight for equal pay and representation, and the grassroots efforts to grow the sport globally. Kennedy’s meticulous research and storytelling ensure that Ice in Their Veins is not just a celebration of ice hockey but also a call to action for continued progress.

Ultimately, Ice in Their Veins is more than a history of women’s ice hockey; it is an indictment of the forces that have long sought to exclude women from the game and a tribute to those who refused to be sidelined. Kennedy does not merely document the past—he demands that we reconsider the future. For anyone invested in the evolution of ice hockey, this book is not just insightful; it is essential.

Copyright © Tobias Stark 2025

[1] The expression alludes to the traditional color distinction, where figure skates are typically white and ice hockey skates black, implying that women belong in figure skating rather than ice hockey.