COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – On June 29, 2021, the National Women’s Hockey League held its draft. Athletes around the world have been waiting to hear their name and see their professional dreams come true.
When the draft reached fourth pick, Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng appeared onscreen and announced, “With the fourth overall pick in the NWHL Draft in 2021, the Toronto Six are proud. to select Tatum Skaggs of Ohio State University. “
Becoming a professional hockey player was a time Skaggs dreamed of growing up.
“Hearing your name called, it’s pretty cool for girls hockey to be able to give women options to play beyond college,” said Skaggs.
But Skaggs added, but she was never sure professional hockey in America would be her future because she didn’t know if there would be a league in the United States.
“I will congratulate the women before me who put it on the people who needed it and who set in stone that women deserve the opportunity to play sports,” she said.
A day before the NWHL draft, Tatum signed a one-year contract to play in Vienna, Austria for the EHV Sabers as part of the European Women’s Hockey League, leaving the Ohio State star a big decision to be made.
“I went to see my friends in Minnesota this weekend and three or four of them had played in Vienna and they were like, ‘Tatum, you have to go to Europe.’ And I needed that push to tell myself that’s what I need to do, “she said.” I’m moving out there and I’m like I don’t know what I just got into. throw, but we’re just going to pack a few bags and go see what life is like. “
She also wants to see what hockey looks like abroad.
“I am delighted to see the talent they have, to play with and to learn European hockey,” said Skaggs. “It’s definitely a lot different from the United States – more puck possession, more talent than here, but yes, we’ll see. Hope I will adapt soon or quickly!
Skaggs isn’t sure if her spot in the Toronto Six will still be there once she’s done playing in Europe, and she doesn’t expect the team to wait for her. But she’s still determined to make her mark as a hockey player in the United States.
“I would love to come back and help build a future for women’s hockey,” she said enthusiastically. “I want each girl to put on a pair of skates. They fall in love with it as soon as they try it because it’s a fun sport, you can get your little physical side out and nudge some people. It’s super fun [because of] team aspect and culture.
Plus, there’s one more team and one more dream that Skaggs is aiming for.
“My dream is still to represent my country at the Olympics,” she said. “If I take hockey any further, the 2026 Olympics could be in the picture. . Don’t put women’s hockey off the map, because as new generations come, we’ll make sure that there is a sustainable league for women’s hockey.
