Amanda Johansson Speaks Out on Misogynistic Remarks in Hockey
Swedish ice hockey goaltender Amanda Johansson, 24, recently opened up about her experiences both in the rink and on the receiving end of disparaging comments during an extensive interview with Expressen.
Currently representing Tidaholms IF in Sweden’s third-tier league, Johansson is also a key player for HV71 in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). While she enjoys a supportive atmosphere within her own team, she has encountered a starkly different reality when facing off against male competitors.
Johansson recounted, “When I play with men, I’ve been subjected to some truly outrageous and sexist remarks—one person told me I enjoy being taken from behind, while another called me a whore, saying I’m disgusting. Such incomprehensible comments have nothing to do with hockey at all.”
Fortunately, Johansson finds solace in the backing of her teammates, who readily intervene when the insults become particularly egregious. “It’s great that my teammates step in if I can’t respond myself,” she expressed, appreciative of their solidarity.
Despite feeling welcomed on the men’s team, Johansson revealed that initial skepticism lingered even among her own players. “I heard whispers suggesting that the coaches viewed me as just a girl,” she shared.
Johansson harbors aspirations of representing Sweden on the national stage, but noted that her participation in men’s leagues has not been received well by the national team’s management. “Their reaction to my playing with men has been overwhelmingly negative. They haven’t shown interest in watching my games or training, and there’s been no communication during my time at Tidaholm,” she explained.
While it remains uncommon for female goaltenders to transition to men’s leagues, there are notable exceptions. Finnish players like Nora Räty and Meeri Räisänen have successfully navigated similar paths, with Räty playing for various teams in Finland’s Mest and Suomi leagues, and Räisänen still active in the II division.
As Johansson continues to pave her own way, her story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in sports—a stark call for a broader discussion about respect and equality in the game.