The Professional Women’s Hockey League will hold its inaugural draft on June 17 at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, a venue that has witnessed countless moments of sporting significance. Among the 236 prospects vying for a spot on the league’s six teams are two Michigan State alumni who have become symbols of a larger struggle for recognition.
Printzen, a forward from Las Vegas, and Gross‑Turkey, a goaltender hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, have each navigated a path marked by early departures from home, limited funding, and the constant need to prove themselves against a backdrop that often overlooks women’s club hockey. Their stories are not just personal; they echo the experiences of many who have had to advocate for basic resources while chasing a dream on the ice.
The NHL, despite its century‑long pedigree, remains the sole major professional league where no woman has ever appeared in a regular‑season or playoff game. That barrier was cracked in 1992 when Manon Rhéaume, a trailblazing goaltender, suited up for an NHL exhibition contest. Today, Rhéaume serves as the general manager of the PWHL’s Detroit franchise, lending her expertise and credibility to a league that is still carving out its identity.
A Draft With Bigger Implications
At Michigan State, the absence of a fully funded NCAA Division I women’s program has meant that the university supports two ACHA club teams rather than a varsity squad. This structure has led to misconceptions that the level of play is inferior, even as alumni like Printzen and Gross‑Turkey demonstrate competitive fire. The limited budget, sparse media coverage, and minimal institutional investment have forced the players to seek external sponsorships and to relocate far from home as teenagers.
The recent expansion of the PWHL, particularly the addition of a Detroit team, has reignited discussions about the future of women’s hockey in the state. Advocates argue that a successful professional franchise could provide the catalyst for a varsity program at the NCAA Division I level, offering a clear pathway for young athletes who might otherwise have to leave the state in search of opportunities.
Both prospects have spoken openly about their contingency plans should the draft not yield a contract. Gross‑Turkey, who is currently enrolled in law school, says she will either sign professionally or continue her studies while staying ready to compete at the university level. Printzen, meanwhile, remains open to further development in Europe but is also realistic about the need to balance athletic ambition with practical career considerations.
Their journeys, mirrored in the trajectories of standout collegiate men’s players such as Porter Martone and Isaac Howard, illustrate a shifting narrative: talent is universal, but the infrastructure that nurtures it often determines visibility. As the PWHL draft approaches, the eyes of a community hungry for representation will be fixed on Detroit, hoping that the next generation of female hockey players will find a more supportive environment both on and off the ice.