Sweden blazes trail in women's hockey by allowing body checking and finds health, quality benefits

HV71's Teghan Inglis, left, challenges Modo's Alexie Guay during their Swedish Women's hockey league match in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, on Jan. 10, 2025.

HV71's Teghan Inglis, left, challenges Modo's Alexie Guay during their Swedish Women's hockey league match in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, on Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Johan Löf)


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ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK, Sweden — Sweden is a trailblazer in hockey because it has allowed body checking in the women's game since 2022. Hockey's world governing body doesn't allow checking, but Sweden's top league pressed ahead. Officials say they have seen fewer concussions and a better, more exciting game. Women are also feeling more empowered because they are playing essentially by the same rule book as men. The professional women's league in North America introduced checking last year after consulting with Sweden.

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