Occasionally we’ve featured guest columnists here on MayorsManor. For example, last Thanksgiving Scott Coffman from The Fourth Period penned an article about his love for NHL referees. We’ve also posted pieces from Kings prospects Kevin Gravel, Nick Shore and Ray Kaunisto. Today’s guest goes in a bit of different direction though. Jonathan Davis, a 20-year veteran of sports and entertainment writing and producing, chats with Kelly Laing – one of the players involved in a new start-up hockey league.
Q: Give the readers some insight into what the Bikini Hockey League is all about?
A: The BHL is a women’s roller hockey league that is fast paced, intense and exciting. The league will have women of all ages and from very different hockey backgrounds.
Q: Are you really just wearing bikini’s? What equipment, if any?
A: When it comes to the equipment, we wear bikini tops, roller skates, padded short-shorts, elbow pads, helmets shin pads and a stick.
Q: Does it ever get rough out there?
A: There’s a lot of contact, but obviously shots to the head, and anything in excess will not be tolerated! It has the same feel as if you were playing a scrappy road hockey game, its intense, but you still respect the other player enough to know when to tone it down. I think as far as “tough girls” everyone is tough. I think every girl in our league can hold her own and when she is pushed to the edge she will defend herself.
Q: How would you take care of things if an opponent intentionally caused a “clothing malfunction”?
A: I don’t think a clothing malfunction would stop the play. The girls are so intense they probably wouldn’t even notice! I think I would be pretty pissed if one of my opponents caused a clothing malfunction! Especially if it was intentional! Let’s just say once I was done with her she would probably think twice about doing it again to me.
Q: What is your hockey background?
A: I grew up playing hockey, I played competitive hockey most of my life and was going to pursue playing it in college but I choose to pursue track and field in University and I am currently a student-athlete at a University here in Canada.
Q: So hockey was big in your house?
A: My whole family is hockey lovers. My dad played JR.A hockey here in Canada and my younger brother and sister also play. I love hockey, and the Bikini Hockey League gives me the chance to be able to play at a high level again.
Q: When you’re not playing hockey….
A: When I am not lacing up the skates, I am going to University full time. I am pursuing a degree in English and Biology and I want to become a teacher or a representative for a shoe/running company.
Q: Favorite NHL player?
A: Alex Ovechkin. I have Russian roots and I love the passion he brings to the game. I also love Bobby Orr. I believe he is the best player of all time. An aggressive defenseman who controlled and changed the game forever.
You can follow Jon Davis on twitter (@westcoasthky) and he recently started his own website (westcoasthky.com), plus he continues to provide content for The Hockey News and TSN in Canada. To read his previous article about the Bikini Hockey League click here.
