Women’s Hockey League

When the Predators first hit the ice in Music City, many had their doubts about whether or not hockey would find a fan base in Nashville, TN. It didn’t take long to determine that Tennesseans love the sport just as much as folks up north. Not long after the NHL came to town, a group of local ladies erased another doubt, whether or not hockey was just a men’s game. The answer was a resounding “no,” as Gretchen Bates recently learned when she suited up with the Nashville Women’s Ice Hockey League. Join Nashville Public Television’s Tennessee Crossroads to find out more.

Nashville, TN

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When the Predators first hit the ice in Music City, many had their doubts about whether or not hockey would find a fan base in Nashville. It didn't take long to determine that Tennessean's love the sport just as much as folks up north. Not long after the NHL came to town, a group of local ladies erased another doubt... whether or not hockey was just a men's game. The answer was a resounding "NO," as Gretchen Bates recently learned when she suited up with the Nashville Women's Ice Hockey League.

Gretchen Bates joined Tennessee Crossroads in 2007 but had her first appearance on the show in 1991 when her community, The Farm, was featured on the show. Though born and raised in Lewis County, Gretchen left Tennessee to move to New York City and pursue a career in theatre. Highlights from her time in New York City include two summers at the Chautauqua Theatre, working with the Circe du Soleil, and seeing every show on Broadway. After six years on the stage in New York City, Gretchen returned home to Tennessee.