Hockey is not just a man's sport anymore. Women are being recognized at a professional level too. So far, the National Women's Hockey League has 10 teams.

As proven, two Buffalo State College students, Chrissy Michalek and Jamie Overbeck, have recently received awards for their outstanding performance on the ice against Trinity College and Neumann College.

“My mom wishes that she put me in hockey…I just can't get enough of it…it is just such a fun sport to watch and play,” said Kelly Carveth, a junior at BSC.

Women and girls have been competing on the ice for over a century. The standard uniform included a long wool skirt, turtleneck sweaters, hats and gloves. Today, the number of female hockey players and teams are at a record high, stated Women's Hockey History.

“I used to play hockey when I was younger,” said Kristen Smith, a freshman at Erie Community College. “It was intimidating being the only girl on the team. It was like, ‘Are they going to be gunning for me today?'”

Women's hockey slowly gained popularity as women demanded a chance to play at colleges and universities. Canadian women's hockey began in the 1980s and the National Collegiate Athletic Association recognized the game in 1993.

Women's Hockey Club of Toronto rules:

1. Body checking and slap shots are not allowed and are subject to a two (2) minute minor penalty. Two-line passes ARE allowed.
2. All players must wear neck protectors, CSA approved helmets, and full face mask or visor.
3. Minor penalties - are two (2) minutes in length.  Should a player receive any three (3) minor penalties in one game, it will result in suspension of that player for the remainder of the game.
4. Major penalties - are five (5) minutes in length.  Should a player receive any two (2) major penalties in one game, it will result in suspension of that player for the remainder of the game, as well as for the remainder of the tournament.  Any player receiving a major penalty for fighting will be suspended