Sarah Grahn got a chance on the Lulea men’s team and jumped at the chance.
Once upon a time, Kim Martin Hasson was ignored at the same opportunity.
– Sarah paved the way for young girls who can dream and see opportunities, says the goalkeeper icon.
No Swedish female hockey player has yet played a competitive match for the SHL. But just over a week ago, Lulea star goalkeeper Sarah Grahn opened the door anyway.
I jumped into the men’s team’s practice match against Finland’s Karpats when illness sidelined the cage guards.
– She did it fantastically, says Kim Martin Hasson, who doesn’t think Grahn’s foray into men was a one-off.
– It’s more difficult for players outside the field, but for goalkeepers, I absolutely think it will happen more often.
So the debut of men was discontinued
If anyone knows, it might be Kim Martin Husson. Today she’s the sporting director for SDHL’s Frölunda, but as an active player she was on her way to becoming the first player in professional men’s hockey.
But late the night before her intended debut, she was suspended due to her planned college transfer, and the Association of American Universities’ claim to amateur status.
“More respect for being a hockey player”
And now the former great goalie is hoping that Sarah Grahn’s efforts will benefit women’s hockey in general.
– I think first of all you see women’s hockey as hockey, and you don’t talk about “women’s hockey” all the time.
Maybe you will get more resources, more faith, and more respect by becoming a hockey player.
SDHL begins September 24th. Kim Martin Hasson’s Frölunda plays at home against SDE in the premiere.
Sarah Grans Lulia meets Modo away from home.
