Last year, Harrison Browne became the first transgender player in North American team sports when he contacted the league and transitioned from being a woman. Browne was a player for the Buffalo Beauts at the time, and had the full support of the NWHL and its commissioner Dani Rylan. In his announcement, he said that he would retire after the season to begin his physical transition and have his name legally changed from Hailey but it seems that retirement won’t stick.
Today, Browne signed a contract with the New York Riveters for the 2017-18 season and will return to the NWHL to try and continue his on-ice success. Last year Browne and the Beauts took home the Isobel Cup as league champions, a feat the Riveters will try to match. Their head coach Chad Wiseman was the one who recruited Browne back into the league, and had this to say on the subject:
Harrison is a veteran NWHL player with an Isobel Cup championship on his resume and a tenacious style and relentless work ethic that makes him a great fit for the Riveters organization. I had the privilege to work with Harrison this summer back home in Canada. He has a great attitude and, in my view, underrated skill level. I believe this could be a breakout year for him on offense.
The NHL announced their “You Can Play” ambassadors this season to reach out to the LGBTQ community and continue their commitment to the idea that “Hockey Is For Everyone.” Browne’s return does nothing but strengthen that stance for the NWHL, and his impact on the community was part of the decision to return. On the subject:
The impact I was able to make as an active pro athlete in the LGBTQ community meant a lot to me. At this time – when rights seem to be getting taken away instead of gained – the platform is something I’m not ready to give up. I want to remain as visible as I can for any LGBTQ youth who may view me as a positive role model. I’m going to continue to share my story.
The NWHL will be lacking in some star talent this year due to the Olympic circuit stealing some of the top names, but there will be several new talents enter with the draft on August 17th. The season will begin in October.