TAMPA, Fla. — Hockey was a tough sport for women to be recognized in.

Historical records show that women were playing hockey back in the 1800s, but the first official women’s team wasn’t formed until 1965. The Pembroke Pandas played for Brown University.

Back then, there weren’t many opportunities for women in hockey, which is why Kelley Steadman said she grew up playing with the guys.


What You Need To Know

  • Kelley Steadman came a long way from the homemade ice rink she said her dad built when she and her brothers were kids

  • That childhood hobby turned into a sport that later earned Steadman two gold medals

  • After accomplishing a wall full of honors, she started a program for girls who love the ice

“I started playing when I was 5,” said Steadman. “I grew up in upstate New York; it’s really cold and not a whole lot to do there, except play hockey.”

That childhood hobby turned into a sport that later earned Steadman two gold medals.

“This is the first gold medal I won, with team USA,” said Steadman.

Steadman came a long way from the homemade ice rink she said her dad built when she and her brothers were kids.

“I played boys hockey until I was 15 and at that point I had to play with girls if I wanted to play in college,” said Steadman. “Growing up, I always played with the boys — that’s what I was used to.”

Women, like Steadman, are making big waves in the industry. After accomplishing a wall full of honors, she started a program for girls who love the ice.

“We’re heading into the Lightning practice; we have a group from Columbia here today,” said Steadman. “They’ve been here for the last couple days. So, they’ll watch practice and then we’re going to hop on the ice with them.”

Steadman said that playing on the ice with the kids is her new passion.

“I really enjoy it, I’m kind of a big kid myself,” said Steadman. “We have a lot of girls’ programs coming up.”

Programs, like Tampa Bay Lightning Girls Hockey, show how female hockey players, like Steadman, help to pave the way for future girls on the ice.