The Impact of Team USA’s 1998 Olympic Gold on Women’s Hockey Growth

The growth of women’s sports, particularly in hockey, has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years. With the success of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and the emergence of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the popularity of women’s sports is on the rise. One of the pivotal moments in women’s hockey history was the 1998 win by USA Hockey’s women’s team in the Nagano Olympics over Canada, chronicled in the book “A Miracle of Their Own” by former Free Press sports writer Keith Gave.

The impact of that historic victory was felt far and wide, inspiring a new generation of female hockey players across the United States. Young girls who once only dreamed of playing hockey saw that dream become a reality thanks to the success of the 1998 team. Players like Kendall Coyne-Schofield and the Lamoureux twins, Jocelyne and Monique, were inspired to pursue their own hockey dreams after witnessing Team USA’s triumph.

The ripple effects of that gold medal win were felt not only in the growth of youth hockey leagues but also in the expansion of women’s college hockey programs. From just 14 NCAA Division I teams in 1998 to 41 teams eligible for the NCAA championships in the 2019-20 season, the growth of women’s hockey at the collegiate level has been exponential.

The rivalry between the United States and Canada in women’s hockey has become one of the greatest in team sports, characterized by fierce competition and mutual respect. While the loss in Nagano was devastating for Team Canada, it ultimately helped grow the sport in the United States and elevate the level of play on both sides.

As the legacy of the 1998 team lives on, the impact of that historic victory continues to shape the landscape of women’s hockey in the United States. From inspiring young girls to pick up a hockey stick to fueling the growth of college programs, the influence of that gold medal win is still felt today.