GOLDEN, Colo. — Applewood’s neighbor, Golden, is the birthplace of the Denver Women’s Hockey League (DWHL), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Back in November of 2000, Golden resident Beth Gyurovits, along with some other local women, wanted to be able to play hockey. Hockey opportunities for women were virtually nonexistent at the time, so Beth spearheaded an effort to answer this need. Meetings ensued in local Golden living rooms, and the DWHL was born.

There was no ice rink in Golden, so they began at the Apex Center in Arvada. The League was organized into multiple teams (all named after old NHL teams) that competed against each other. Over time, the League has grown into three divisions encompassing novice, intermediate, and advanced hockey players. The organization is overseen by 11 volunteer board members (and many other volunteers) who attend to the daily operation of the League, run skating clinics, coach, and much more.

Today, women from all over the Front Range (and even Wyoming!) participate in the League. DWHL players also represent a wide variety of ages (18 on up to women 60+) and backgrounds. Whether you have been a skater since childhood, are learning to skate for the first time, or are somewhere in-between, you are welcome. The DWHL is an ideal environment in which to learn and grow as a player.

Are you a “never-ever” (a woman who has never, ever played hockey)? The DWHL specializes in introducing women to the sport in a way that is fun and safe. Worried about expense? There is a “Gear Bank” that provides equipment on loan for free, the League offers a free introductory class called “Hockey 101,” and there are payment plans to help with season costs.

All DWHL games follow USA Hockey rules, and thus are “non-checking.” You won’t find the violent play of the NHL with this league. The DWHL is also a wonderful source of community. The teams play in tournaments with other teams from the greater Denver and Colorado hockey community, and members often attend events with each other (such as Avalanche games). Friendship, connection, and love of sport are cornerstones of the DWHL.

Jamie Pomeroy, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the DWHL, says: “This is not just an avenue for playing a sport, but a way for a community of women to come together. You see the same people every week, play with or against each other, motivate and inspire each other, and just have a lot of fun. Playing this sport bonds people in a special way and creates lifelong friendships. I think we all missed these connections during the pandemic and want to offer that unique and wonderful experience to a new group of women.”

While things have been dampened somewhat by COVID, normal activities are picking up again. What does the DWHL have to say to the local community? “Come join us! We would love to have you!” For more information, check out https://www.dwhl.org.

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