Esposito offers Wickenheiser ECHL tryout
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 | 1:30 PM ET
CBC Sports
It's an opportunity that could make Wickenheiser the first female position player in minor professional hockey.
Esposito, a minority owner of the Cyclones, was general manger of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 when he signed Manon Rheaume -- the first female netminder to play an NHL pre-season game.
Hayley Wickenheiser has been offered a 15-game tryout with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones. (CP Photo)
But Esposito says offering Wickenheiser a tryout with the Cyclones is no publicity stunt.
"We're interested in her because she can play," Esposito told the Globe and Mail.
"My feeling is that I've seen her play and I think she can handle it. And if she can, why not bring her here."
Wickenheiser was close to securing a tryout and contract to play with men professionally for Italy's Merano Eagles.
But the Italian Ice Hockey Federation ruled that Wickenheiser was ineligible for the league.
The Italian federation based its decision on the belief that female players should compete in women's leagues. The federation also cited safety concerns in its ruling.
The 23-year-old Wickenheiser is not certain if she wants to play in the ECHL -- a development league considered to be two notches below the NHL.
"I really don't know if I have a reaction at this point," Wickenheiser told the Globe. "I guess it would be something we would have to think about."
Wickenheiser and her agent, Wade Arnott, are still trying to find the Shaunavon, Sask. native another place to play pro hockey in Europe.
The two continue to explore options in Swiss, Austrian or German pro leagues.
"At this point, we're still trying to pursue Europe," Wickenheiser told the Globe.
Esposito's ECHL offer remains on the table, but it's something Wickenheiser admits she'll need to think long and hard about.
"I know it's a tough league and a development league for the NHL," said Wickenheiser. "I don't think I would make a rush decision on it."
