The dream of more women on the ice

She stands there at the very back of the ice. Her gaze is focused, her movements precise, and when the puck comes, there is no room for hesitation. For 22-year-old Julia Hörnblad from Danderyd, the role of a goalkeeper is more than just a position. In Broncos, it has become more than an identity, shaped by years of passion and community.

Hockey has been part of her life for a long time. At the age of six, she took her first strides with the club SDE (Stocksund Danderyd Enebyberg), inspired by her father, who was also a hockey player. It began with figure skating at the age of five, but after attending a hockey school and having friends who already played, she quickly got hooked on the sport. It then became a natural part of her upbringing and followed her when she moved to Örebro and the door to SUHL opened. However, the road there has not always been easy.

Having to prove herself, over and over again

Being a woman in a male-dominated sport often means having to work harder for the same recognition. She highlights that women need to prove themselves more than men, even when playing hockey at the same level. If a mistake is made, she feels it is more easily linked to being a woman.

She also points out that there are physical differences and risks, especially when women play together with men. However, the challenges do not stop there, as they also appear in the role of a coach—something she has experience with as well. Differences are noticeable in both women’s and men’s teams. She explains that women often need to make a stronger impression than men to be taken seriously. More merits and documented experience are required to get the same opportunities, according to Julia.

She emphasizes the importance of educating players from an early age. Julia believes that clubs need to create environments where girls and boys play together from a young age. This builds respect and understanding from the start, which can help women later in their careers feel confident stepping into coaching roles for both girls and boys. At the same time, she sees a positive development.

Things have improved. We see more female coaches today, even at a high level. Sara Grahn and Kim Martin Hasson are also two important role models for women in hockey. However, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially when it comes to changing players’ attitudes.

Community – the strength of hockey

Despite the challenges, it is the sense of community that has always made her stay. As a goalkeeper, she has also found a role that suits her perfectly. It is more technical and places greater focus on angles and game awareness. She describes that the best thing about hockey is the environment around it. It is in the locker rooms, on the bench, and in the moments before and after games that friendships are formed.

In the university team, Örebro Broncos HC, she describes the team spirit as strong. At the same time, there is clear room for improvement. She believes the team is welcoming to women, but that having her own locker room contributes to strengthening the men’s internal community. She therefore hopes more girls will dare to take the step into Broncos and SUHL. Their try-out in the autumn is a great opportunity for women who are interested, which Julia encourages people to attend.

When asked what she wants to say to other girls who are considering starting hockey, she does not hesitate: “Go for it! Many are afraid, but it’s not as scary as it sounds…” she says. Julia points out that interest among women is increasing and that more clubs are now investing in women’s hockey. She believes hockey is a fantastic sport for personal development and that there are many ways to get involved—as a player, coach, or supporter. Broncos can be a step along the way, she adds.

Perhaps it is right there, in her words, that the future of women’s hockey begins. In the courage to try, in the willingness to take space, and in the strength to remain at the back of the ice when all eyes are directed forward.

Writer & reporter: Elin Borssén