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Sweden blazes trail in women's hockey

LAUREN BELLEFONTAINE came off the ice after a game in Sweden’s top women’s hockey league and detailed the toll her body had just taken.

“I got a stick to the collarbone tonight and also a hit to the head. Definitely some bumps and bruises,” she said with a smile. “But I’m feeling fine.”

Growing up in Canada, Bellefontaine kept hearing people ask why there was no hitting in women’s hockey. It has taken a move to northern Sweden for her to discover the more physical side of the sport.

Benefits of body checking

Closing the equality gap

In Sweden, they start early

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