CWHL season kicks off with more money and travel for players

CALGARY Canadian Women’s Hockey League players will be paid for the first time in its 11-year history, but they’re being asked to do more for the money.

Two new teams from China helped the CWHL achieve its goal of providing cash to its players. Players will be paid a stipend between $2,000 and $10,000 this season.

Now a seven-team league, the CWHL opens the 2017-18 season Saturday.

The North American players who have jobs face a decision when their teams travel to China.

Playing the four away games against the Kunlun Red Star and Vanke Rays in Shenzhen over back-to-back weekends requires a week or more off work.

“I won’t be travelling to China,” Calgary Inferno defenceman Hayleigh Cudmore said.

“In terms of the time commitment, it’s something a lot of the teams are struggling with. The money we are getting paid isn’t the salary we’re living off of.”

The 25-year-old from Oakville, Ont., is a law student articling at a firm in Calgary.

“The league is providing us with funds this year which we really appreciate, which we need for the sacrifices we continue to make, but the travel is a big concern for a lot of players,” the fourth-year CWHL player said.

“Players are being asked not to take the odd Friday off, but a solid week and a bit out of their work. It’s one of the biggest concerns heading into the season.”

The addition of the Chinese clubs gives the CWHL buzz in a season in which some stars are absent preparing for the Winter Olympics with their national teams.

The new teams didn’t pay an expansion fee, but signed five-year licensing agreements with the CWHL, according to commissioner Brenda Andress.

Calgary, Markham Thunder, Toronto Furies, Boston Blades and defending Clarkson Cup champion Montreal Canadiennes round out the league. The 2018 Clarkson Cup will be held in Toronto.

The Chinese teams bring international sponsorship and marketing opportunities as well as jobs for players, Andress said.

Nine Canadians are on the Red Star and Rays rosters.

“What China really does for us is two things,” Andress said. “It allows us to take the game world-wide and provide opportunities for women.