Renfrew's NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum unveils 'women in hockey' exhibit

The Women in Hockey exhibit at the NHL Birthplace Museum in Renfrew. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa)

Renfrew, Ont. has been recognized as the birthplace of the NHL, a story well documented at the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum in the town's arena.

Now, the museum will be capturing history in real time after opening a "Women in Hockey" exhibit.

"I thought that with the PWHL starting up, we should have something on women's hockey," said Bonnie Hastings, executive administrator at the museum.

"A few people coming into the museum said, 'everything's about men in here. Why aren't there any women?'"

Now into its second season, the PWHL has seen immediate success on the ice and in the stands. But the women's game wasn't always as recognized as it is today.

"Hockey wasn't for women, it wasn't publicized back then," Hastings said. "It was sort of a hush-hush thing that they would keep quiet."

Displays at the exhibit tell the story of women in hockey dating back to the 1890's, playing the sport from Ottawa to Alberta.

One photo Hastings notably points out is the first known photo of women with a puck on a natural ice surface in Ottawa at Rideau Hall.

The photo features Isobel Stanley, daughter of Lord Frederick Stanley, who both had trophies named after them: the Isobel Cup and the Stanley Cup.

"The National Hockey Association had teams, and the women were very interested in that and wanted to be in it themselves," Hastings said.

Now with the PWHL creating history with every game it plays, the NHL Birthplace Museum hopes to document its achievements as it happens.

"Hopefully with some publicity, we'll be able to get some of the players perhaps donating some something to us. That would give us the history as we go along," Hastings said.

"Hockey sticks are always very popular, especially if they're signed."

The museum can be found off the atrium of the myFM Centre in Renfrew. The museum was already packed to the brim with Renfrew's involvement in the game.

Board of directors chairman Bob Barker says the museum is looking for more space.

"We definitely want to expand," Barker said. "We've got a lot of artifacts that we have in storage."

After opening the exhibit in August, Barker and Hastings say the reception has been positive from players and parents.

"There seems to be more interest building, and I think the women's hockey will do that," Barker saod.

Hastings added: "A lot of [the girls] play ringette and because there is not a lot of girls teams, a lot of the girls, they have to play on boys teams still. But hopefully that will change as the years go on."