More than 200 of the worldB次元官网网址檚 top womenB次元官网网址檚 hockey players have formed a union, saying they must B次元官网网址渟tand togetherB次元官网网址� if there is to be a sustainable professional league.

The Professional WomenB次元官网网址檚 Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) said Monday the paperwork was filed Friday to help push for the creation of a B次元官网网址渟ingle, viable womenB次元官网网址檚 professional league in North America.B次元官网网址�

The women had announced earlier this month their pledge to sit out the upcoming season in North America after the Canadian WomenB次元官网网址檚 Hockey League abruptly shut down this year. That leaves only the National WomenB次元官网网址檚 Hockey League, which took back control of the Buffalo Beauts on May 8.

The PWHPA said in a statement the association also will help players co-ordinate training needs and opportunities and develop sponsor support.

B次元官网网址淲e are fortunate to be ambassadors of this beautiful game, and it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of players have more opportunities than we had,B次元官网网址� Kendall Coyne Schofield said in a statement. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 time to stand together and work to create a viable league that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of our hard work.B次元官网网址�

Coyne Schofield won Olympic gold with the U.S. in 2018 and was an NWHL All-Star with the Minnesota Whitecaps this past season.

The new unionB次元官网网址檚 members include players from Europe along with the U.S. and Canada.

B次元官网网址淲e might play for different teams, and come from different countries, but weB次元官网网址檙e united in our goals,B次元官网网址� said goaltender Noora R盲ty, who has won two Olympic bronze medals with Finland. B次元官网网址淭his is about protecting ourselves, protecting our future, and making hockey a better place for women and girls.B次元官网网址�

The PWHPA made it clear the union wants a league that provides health insurance, money and infrastructure along with support for training programs.

B次元官网网址淲e are prepared to stop playing for a year, which is crushing to even think about, because we know how important a sustainable league will be to the future of womenB次元官网网址檚 sports,B次元官网网址� Canadian national team goalie Shannon Szabados said. B次元官网网址淲e know we can make this work, and we want the chance to try.B次元官网网址�

Liz Knox, former co-chair of the CWHL Players Association, said the players are uncertain about what happens next.

B次元官网网址淏ut we move forward united, dedicated, and hopeful for our future and the future of this game we love so much,B次元官网网址� Knox said.

The NWHL stresses that not everyone is boycotting the lone remaining womenB次元官网网址檚 professional league.

The league announced a couple of player deals, notably one featuring Madison Packer. Packer, who is tied for most goals in NWHL history, signed for $12,000 to play the upcoming season with the Metropolitan Riveters. The NWHL previously announced players also will receive a 50 per cent cut of revenue and 15 per cent apparel sales with their names this upcoming season.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 coming back for a fifth season because I am passionate about continuing my playing career and to advance the game and our league,B次元官网网址� Packer said.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 confident in the direction our sport is headed, and in the plan the NWHL has laid out for a strong season and positive experience for players and fans. ItB次元官网网址檚 important to build off the momentum created by the leagueB次元官网网址檚 success last season, and my body feels good enough to continue playing.B次元官网网址�

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press