Checking in: A more physical style of play becomes the routine at the top of women's pro hockey

Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie and Minnesota Frost forward Claire Butorac battle for the puck during the second period of a PWHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn.

Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie and Minnesota Frost forward Claire Butorac battle for the puck during the second period of a PWHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)


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Players were overwhelmingly in favor of introducing body checking to women's hockey when the PWHL was launched some 18 months ago. The one condition was how to safely introduce a more physical style of play. The league clarified its body checking rules, which spells out that hitting is allowed when two players are moving in the same direction but not on open ice and not when the opponent has their back turned.

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