“Absurd and inaccurate.” That was how Ice Hockey UK and the Elite Ice Hockey League described a Financial Times article, which suggested women attend games because of popular romance books such as Icebreaker.
In a joint statement, the governing bodies said the piece “is not just absurd and inaccurate in relation to ice hockey, but also to women who watch sport in general.”
They added that it was “deeply disappointing to see outdated stereotypes presented as fact.”
The article claimed that “hockey romance” novels set around the ice rink were responsible for a rise in female fandom.
However, those involved in the sport have rejected this, arguing it trivialises authentic passion for the game.
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The Nottingham Panthers, echoing the league’s statement, said they were “dismayed and disappointed at the portrayal of our female fanbase.”
The club added: “We’re very proud to have an incredibly diverse fanbase watching our great sport, and they play a vibrant part in our incredible hockey community.”
Glasgow Clan also backed the response, praising their “passionate and inclusive Purple Army” and stressing that their fans “support hockey for the love of the game, the community, and the excitement it brings.”
The Glasgow Clan fully support the Elite Ice Hockey League’s statement regarding diversity within our sport and fanbase.
— Glasgow Clan 🏒🏴 (@ClanIHC) October 5, 2025
We’re incredibly proud to have such a passionate and inclusive Purple Army, with fans from all walks of life who support the Clan for the love of the game,… https://t.co/TXECLI1NBG
Other teams, including the Cardiff Devils and Manchester Storm, shared the league’s statement across social media as part of a coordinated show of unity across the EIHL.
Fans, too, voiced frustration online, arguing the FT feature misrepresented their experiences. One opinion piece on British Ice Hockey said bluntly: “Women fans of hockey should not be reduced to finding the men hot.”
England Ice Hockey CEO Henry Staelens also took to social media to express his disappointment with the portrayal of female fans within the article.
“It’s extremely disappointing to see the piece that has appeared in the Financial Times today.
— Henry C. Staelens (@HenryStaelens) October 4, 2025
The tone of the article is not just absurd in relation to ice hockey, but also to women who watch sport in general - something that shouldn’t even be a talking (cont.)
While many accepted that books like Icebreaker might have introduced some readers to the sport, few believe that fiction can explain the dedication that fills rinks across the UK.
As one fan put it on X, “People might come for the story - but they stay for the hockey.”
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