By Brian Germinaro | Ah, beat
Nicole Broderick In Bridgeport Islanders' main season, it's been more than a dozen seasons. She can tell you endless stories when it comes to game night in the news box. While you may not know her name, there is a good chance you have seen her work.
Broderick, a Guilford, Connecticut native and an avid hockey fan, is a key member of the Bridgeport Islanders ice official team, a close-knit The crew, working closely with the referees on the ice, line drivers and racers in the U.S. Hockey League office to ensure a smooth game, and all statistics are accurate and timely. She is one of only three women in Bridgeport.
“My brother used to play youth hockey in the East Haven program, so I would keep his team's scores and statistics,” Broderick said. “I did it for our high school team, too. At that time, the girls There aren't many opportunities to play hockey yourself, you have to find other ways to get involved, and it's even weird for some people.”
Broderick began recording statistics for the United Hockey League in New Haven in the early 2000s. She joined Bridgeport in 2012-13. She has seen a lot of changes over the years, but nothing is more than seeing women win leadership opportunities on game nights in the Total Mortgage Arena, where Islanders will host women on this Saturday’s sports night.
“There are games (crews) Stan Capp or John Brillante To entrust me to be an official scorer, that means a lot. “Broderick said. “It's a huge job and sometimes it's stressful, but I'm very proud of it.” I know New York Islanders now have female ice crew members. It's so cool to see this because if I recall 20 years ago you wouldn't have seen women in these characters. ”
There are about 15 off-road officials in each game for Bridgeport Island officials, from goal operators and fine box waiters to timekeepers and statisticians. Broderick was the only female official who was almost exclusively a male for most of the first 20 seasons. Changed, Broderick is now sharing news boxes with two other female colleagues Megan Renda and Bailey Duprey.
“I like to feel like I’m a bigger part,” Dupri said in her second season. “The contribution to the team is like a player on the ice.”
This is an important reminder that hockey is in all ages, with women of all ages behind the scenes. Many times, there are direct relationships, such as Laura White Become the first female referee to play in Bridgeport in 2021-22, but it didn't get people's attention.
“I must be shocked,” Renda said. “This is my first time seeing a female referee, and I think it's great. She speaks out like everyone else, I kind of took that and applied it to the situation in the news box. I shouldn't be afraid to use mine Voice or share my thoughts. Things like this together with the team’s female work shadow program were the biggest change for me.”
Renda is eager to one day engage in professional sports. Bridgeport Islander’s second annual Women of the Year in the Shadow Program for Sports Work may strengthen those plans and speed up her path. The initiative, which began last March, aims to introduce young women to the sports and entertainment industries through hands-on experience, coaching and networking.
“A lot of times people realize there are women behind the scenes,” said the graphic designer. Hayley MillerIt is one of more than a dozen full-time female employees at Bridgeport Islander and the Total Mortgage Arena. “I think a lot of people look like they’re past, or just assume that men are doing the job, so the plan offers an opportunity to withdraw the curtains.”
“I think, in general, diversity in the workplace is important because you get a lot of different ideas, different perspectives and what’s good for everyone,” Game Demo and Fan Experience Manager Megan Hopton.
From the wider situation, more than 50 women help ensure the Islanders’ game night experience is accessible – from ushers to production assistants, to account executives and interns, chartered waiters, accountants and more. There are so many names, but most fans know that the past two seasons have been In-Arena hosts Sam Bohrer.
“I love my job, and in a very male-dominated industry and a male sport, I can make a difference to some extent, which means a lot,” Boller said. “I’m honored to be young.” Women say hey, you can be a role model, but it’s also a huge responsibility to be able to make those connections and bridge gaps that may not happen.”
Bohrer's advice to women who want to break into sports is intentional, sincere and take a leap of faith. Islander’s Digital Marketing and Community Relations Manager Haley Castellari agree.
“Don't be afraid to let yourself hear your voice, don't think you have no place,” Castellari said. “You don't have to be the biggest voice, nor do you have to speak the most to find a major role. Put yourself there, you Never know.”
But one thing is certain. Whether on the ice, in front of the camera, in the news box or anywhere else, statistics show that women are rising and changing the game.
