In the world of ice hockey, where the clash of sticks and the scrape of razor sharp skates creates an exciting match pace, Ellie Wakeling stands out not just for her skill, but for her determination to empower the female game.
As Rokstone proudly marks the first anniversary of our three year sponsorship with Ellie, we celebrate her remarkable achievements and the impact our support has had on her career as she sets new standards for female athletes in a male dominated sport. The partnership with Rokstone has helped support Ellie, highlighting the vital role sponsorship plays in empowering athletes to reach their full potential.
Breaking Barriers and Smashing Stereotypes
Ellie Wakeling is not your average ice hockey player. As the only female playing in England’s mixed (but mainly male) National Ice Hockey League South Division One side Romford Buccaneers, she has already achieved what many might consider impossible.
For the 2024/25 season, Ellie has already signed with the Buccaneers, while she is set to also re-sign with the Berkshire based women’s ice hockey team, the Queen Bees. Her versatility and commitment to her sport truly shine as she juggles her roles with the teams.
In the male dominated world of ice hockey, Ellie’s presence stands for a future of change. She said, “I have always been really fortunate with a good bunch of people and [played] in a welcoming team.” Growing up with her teammates, she has become an integral part of the Romford Buccaneers, navigating the difference between men’s and women’s ice hockey with the fierce determination required by the sport.
The Game
Ellie’s typical match day is a blend of camaraderie and intense preparation before taking to the ice. It begins with pre-match socialising, followed by a rigorous warm up session that includes tactical drills. Each game is a gruelling test of endurance, comprising three 20 minute periods with 15 minute breaks in between. Despite the physicality of the men’s game, which is a contact sport unlike the women’s game, Ellie has adapted to the demands of playing at this level.
Training is demanding. The hardest part, Ellie explained, is the pre-season conditioning, involving intense bouts of racing on the ice which can get exhausting. The difference in training routines between men’s and women’s ice hockey is stark. While male teams train around twice a week in 90 minute sessions, women like Ellie often face shorter, less frequent training sessions.
This disparity is compounded by the ‘pay to play’ model in much of women’s ice hockey, where players must pay a fee to participate in the matches - unlike their male counterparts who can often even receive a wage to play.
The Power of Sponsorship
The sponsorship from Rokstone in the past 12 months has helped Ellie significantly. With access to a personal trainer twice a week, Ellie has been able to tailor her training to meet the specific demands of ice hockey, crediting the sessions as “the most beneficial thing for my game.”
The personalised training was particularly important when Ellie separated her shoulder in April 2023, right before she was due to compete with Team GB, for whom she also plays regularly. The injury, which damaged the ligaments around her AC joint, required extensive physiotherapy and strength training.
When Ellie further separated her shoulder again in December 2023, her personal trainer and sports therapist were a large part of helping her to make a fast recovery. The continuous support from Rokstone has meant she has been able to maintain her peak performance, covering costs for travel, equipment and additional training.
Looking Ahead
As Ellie looks to the future, her goals are set high. She admitted, “I am tough on myself when it comes to my performance. My personal goal [for the upcoming season] is to be better than I was last season. I want to get to the next round of Olympic qualifiers later in 2024 and win a gold medal at the World Ice Hockey Championships in April 2025.”
Her determination is fueled by a desire to see women’s ice hockey receive the recognition and support it deserves and Ellie’s vision extends beyond her personal goals. She advocated for greater support for women’s ice hockey, aiming to abolish the ‘pay to play’ model and encourage more young women to take up the sport.
Ellie believes that with more backing, the standard of the women’s game will rise, inspiring the next generation of players to take to the ice. She said, “I’d really like to see more support for the women’s game.”
For More From Ellie
As Ellie gears up for the new season with the Queen Bees, Romford Buccaneers and Team GB, her story is a testament to the transformative power of support. With the backing of Rokstone, Ellie is not just playing the game but helping to change the narrative of women’s ice hockey across the UK.
In a sport where every match is a battle and every season is a test of endurance, Ellie Wakeling stands tall as a champion of equality and we are thrilled to stand alongside her. The ice may be cold, but Ellie’s passion for ice hockey burns brighter than ever.
