Jill Saulnier: A Legacy of Excellence and a Historic Moment in Women’s Hockey

Jill Saulnier, a former standout forward for the Canadian women’s national team, has carved out a remarkable career in hockey. With two Olympic medals and a world championship under her belt, Saulnier has been a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Now, she’s making headlines for a different kind of milestone: throwing the first legitimate punches in the history of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). During a game between the Boston Fleet and the Ottawa Charge on February 20, 2025, Saulnier engaged in a fight with Ottawa forward Tereza Vanišová, marking a groundbreaking moment for women’s hockey.

Saulnier described the incident as a natural escalation of a heated and physical game. “She got a hold of my stick and dropped it down, and that was just kind of the green flag for me,” she told The Athletic. “I said, ‘Let’s go.’” The altercation, which quickly went viral, was not just a flash of emotions but a reflection of the intense competition and physicality that defines the PWHL. For Saulnier, it was about standing her ground and sending a message—something she believes was both necessary and respectful.

The Fight: A Viral Moment and a Sign of Things to Come

The fight between Saulnier and Vanišová was more than just a skirmish; it was a historic moment for the PWHL. While women’s hockey has seen its share of physicality over the years—including a memorable line brawl between Canada and the U.S. at a pre-Olympic tournament in 2014—fights with fists flying have been rare. The PWHL, which officially launched in January 2024, has emphasized skill and speed, but this incident showcased the league’s embrace of a more physical style of play.

The altercation began with a hit and several crosschecks from Saulnier, prompting Vanišová to throw Saulnier’s stick to the ground. Saulnier responded with a hard right, and the two players exchanged blows. Notably, neither dropped their gloves, as women’s hockey players wear full face cages, making it impractical and even dangerous to do so. The nearly 6,000 fans in attendance were electrified by the moment, and the benches were on their feet, cheering on their teammates.

The aftermath of the fight was just as dramatic. Ottawa defender Ronja Savolainen scored shortly after, tying the game at 2-1. When Vanišová emerged from the penalty box, she sealed the game with a last-second goal, sending it to overtime. Her performance earned her the PWHL’s first unofficial “Gordie Howe hat trick” (a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game). Despite the excitement, Ottawa ultimately lost 3-2 in overtime.

Reactions: Respect and Buzz for the League

The fight generated widespread attention, with headlines in major outlets like TMZ and the Daily Mail, which rarely cover women’s hockey. Social media erupted, and the moment was viewed by millions as it coincided with the 4 Nations Face-Off finale between Canada and the United States. For Saulnier and Vanišová, the fight was a display of passion and competitiveness, but it also brought a wave of support from fans. Saulnier has since received “Fight Club” bracelets and T-shirts, a testament to her newfound fame.

Both players and coaches praised the intensity of the game, emphasizing that the fight was a natural byproduct of the physicality and competitiveness of the league. “You see the intensity of the game, and that’s the fun part of this league,” said Ottawa coach Carla MacLeod. “Neither player backed down, and I suspect there will be a little bit of buzz about it, which is never bad for the game either.” The respectful postgame handshake between Saulnier and Vanišová, where they exchanged nods of acknowledgment, underscored the sportsmanship that defines women’s hockey.

The PWHL’s Stance on Fighting: A Delicate Balance

While the fight brought much-needed attention to the PWHL, the league has made it clear that fighting is not a core part of its identity. The rulebook explicitly states that “fighting is not part of the PWHL’s game,” and penalties for such incidents are severe. Saulnier and Vanišová were initially given minor penalties for roughing, but the league later clarified its stance, introducing harsher penalties for fighting, including 5-minute major penalties and game misconducts.

The incident also highlighted the unique challenges of fighting in women’s hockey. Unlike men’s hockey, where players often drop their gloves, women’s players wear full cages, making it impractical and dangerous to do so. This equipment barrier, combined with a lack of training in bodychecking and fighting at the youth level, means that fights like Saulnier’s are unlikely to become a regular occurrence.

Despite the league’s efforts to deter fighting, Saulnier believes that physicality will continue to play a role in the PWHL. “With the level of physicality, you’ll never not see it in the PWHL,” she said. However, she also acknowledged that fighting should not overshadow the skill and finesse that define the league. The PWHL’s focus on showcasing elite talent while allowing for natural physicality creates a delicate balance—one that will likely evolve as the league grows.

A Turning Point for Women’s Hockey?

The fight between Saulnier and Vanišová has sparked a broader conversation about the role of physicality in women’s hockey. While bodychecking is banned in youth girls hockey, the PWHL’s allowance of hits and scrums has brought a new dimension to the game. For Saulnier, the fight was not just a personal moment but a symbol of the league’s growth and potential.

The exposure generated by the fight has been a boon for the PWHL, which is still building its fanbase. Saulnier noted that the attention she received rivaled the excitement of winning an Olympic gold medal. “I think more people reached out than when we won a gold medal,” she said. “Obviously, you shouldn’t fight every game, but I think it was actually good because it got more eyes on the league.”

As the PWHL continues to gain traction, moments like this fight will help shape its identity. While the league will not become a fighting league, the willingness of players like Saulnier and Vanišová to stand up for themselves and their teammates sends a powerful message about the strength and resilience of women’s hockey.

The Bigger Picture: Women’s Hockey Embraces Its Edge

Jill Saulnier’s fight in the PWHL is more than just a viral moment; it’s a milestone in the evolution of women’s hockey. As the sport continues to gain momentum, players are proving that they can be both skillful and physical, challenging outdated notions of what women’s hockey should look like.

The PWHL’s embrace of physicality is a testament to the growing confidence of its players, who are redefining the boundaries of the game. While fighting will never be the norm, moments of intensity like Saulnier’s fight remind fans and critics alike that women’s hockey is every bit as competitive and thrilling as its male counterpart.

Looking ahead, the PWHL will need to strike a balance between promoting physicality and maintaining the integrity of the game. But one thing is clear: Jill Saulnier’s fight has etched her name into the history books and brought a fresh wave of excitement to women’s hockey. As the sport continues to grow, this moment will serve as a reminder of the passion, resilience, and determination that define its players.