There are only 44 days left before the Winter Olympics kick off in Sochi, Russia, and officials have started announcing the names of athletes who have made Team Canada. This week, the 21-player female hockey team was unveiled.
Women’s hockey has gained in popularity since its Olympic debut in 1998 and become one of the sports to watch because of Canada’s domination. While the United States won the first title, Canada took the next three gold medals.
The team headed to Sochi includes veteran forward Hayley Wickenheiser, captain since 2007. The women will square off against the Swiss in their first game, on February 8.
Hockey originated in Canada in the 19th century — though it was never officially determined in which city it was played first. Although it’s Canada’s national sport, it reached almost religion-like status in one province, Quebec, especially in the post-war years when icon Maurice “The Rocket” Richard burned up the ice.
The creation of the first women’s hockey team was reportedly a fundraising effort for soldiers involved in the Boer war, which began in 1899. That said, women’s hockey has only really taken off in the last 25 years. There were 85,624 registered female players in 2009-2010.
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