In Defense Of “Ice Girls” Part 2
We continue the interview with “Ice Girl” Zoe. If you have not already, I suggest you read Part 1. We continue with Zoe starting to get explain how she feels about the negativity surrounding what an “Ice Girl” does.
Recently there have been those that say that “Ice Girls” shouldn’t be part the hockey tradition. How do you feel about that?
“I think many people don’t realize exactly what ice girls do, and just assume they are solely out there skating on the ice in crop tops as entertainment. A lot of people also perceive ice girls as cheerleaders, but in reality, the only cheering going on is when the team scores a goal, or the crowd is chanting. The NHL has specific rules and standards for the ice to be cleaned during commercial breaks, so whether fans like it or not, a crew has to skate out there during breaks. So what’s wrong with having girls do that job too? Each girl who skates on the ice has to go through training and approval before stepping foot onto the ice during a game. Most teams have males on the ice with the females, so it is hardly ever an all female crew.”
“There are a few ice girls on my own crew and many other ice crews that play hockey…”
What are your feelings on “Ice Girls” being labeled as the objectification of females?
“Every girl on the team knows exactly what she is signing up for before trying out for the team. No one is being forced to wear an outfit they don’t want to, nor are they forced to do anything they don’t want to. People make the argument of objectification mainly because of the outfits most ice girl teams wear, but let’s put into perspective how females show more skin wearing a bikini at the beach, but no one’s mad about that? What about cheerleaders from other sports? Many of the girls find time to work very hard to be fit and healthy, aside from their other jobs, and attending or having graduated with a BA or Masters. I think its possible people are creating objectification in their own minds because they are not embracing femininity.”
What do you think of the fan uneasiness in San Jose about the Sharks having “Ice Girls” this season?
“I’d like to say their fans have bigger problems to worry about, like their team not choking in playoffs. But, not my team, not my problem – if that’s what the majority of their fans want, then so be it.“
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In your opinion, what do “Ice Girls” bring to the game of hockey?
“There is much more to an “Ice Girl” than just skating on the ice during intermissions; she is also doing promotions in the stands, working charity events outside of games, and helping promote hockey. Players can’t make it to every promotional event a team is part of, so ice girls actually help with team representation.”
What is the most rewarding thing that has come from being an Ice Girl?
Getting the chance to promote hockey, and continue its growth as a sport in the US. It is also interesting and inspiring getting to know and meet so many die-hard hockey fans and hear their stories on how they grew to love hockey.”
After reading what Zoe had to say and knowing what it takes to be an “Ice Girl”; I ask anyone that has made an Ice Girl feel objectified or insignificant to look at themselves in a mirror. They do not deserve your ridicule, your snide remarks from behind a keyboard, or your sideways glances of disapproval. The Ice Girls have earned respect for what they do on and as we found out off the ice, I would suggest we give it too them.