Stephanie phillips
writer of comics and other such things
Kicking Ice
Cover by Amanda Conner (A) and Dave Johnson (C)
Kicking Ice is an all-ages graphic novel from Ominous Press about girls playing ice hockey written by Stephanie Phillips, drawn by Jamie Jones and Lee Moder, colored by Marissa Louise, and lettered by Troy Peteri. In partnership with the National Women's Hockey League, a portion of all sales goes to the NWHL to support the players and the growth of women's hockey.
Kicking Ice tells the story of two young female hockey players, Bella and Skye, who dream of playing professional hockey in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). Bella and Skye are the only girls on their co-ed hockey team and learn to overcome bullying from some of their male opponents. In particular, a rival player named Derek likes to tease Bella and Skye by telling them that girls will never be as good at hockey as boys. Of course, Bella and Skye prove that kicking ice isn't just for boys.
Kicking Ice is about the importance of equality in sports. The National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) is the first paid, professional hockey league for women. Founded in 2015, the NWHL offers a place for the top female players to continue playing after college. The existence of the NWHL also means that young girls, like Bella and Skye, can dream of playing professional ice hockey.
“We’re a new league looking to advance the game and share our players' stories, and Stephanie is a uniquely-talented person who loves the sport. She conceived an idea for a graphic novel that celebrates professional women’s hockey and the role models who play it. When you get this kind of opportunity, you don’t get bogged down in the details — you just start collaborating and supporting. We have complete faith in Stephanie and her team. The NWHL will be there for ‘Kicking Ice’ from beginning to end in every way possible."
-Dani Rylan, NWHL Founder and Commissioner
Kicking Ice in the News
Artwork by Lee Moder