Millie Sirum’s Rise from Oslo to Pro Hockey
Balancing national team pride with ambitions in professional women’s hockey
Women’s hockey is full of stories about grit and passion, and Millie Sirum’s journey stands out. In the latest episode of Rinkside Rundown, I sat down with Millie, a forward from Oslo, Norway, who has represented her country on the world stage and is now building her professional career in the SDHL. We explore her path from youth hockey to competing internationally, and her sights are set on the future, including hopes for the PWHL.
Growing Up Around Hockey
Millie’s love for hockey didn’t start immediately. Her older brother had been playing since a young age, which sparked her interest. She even tried ballet and other activities before finally deciding to skate at age eight. “I wanted to be like my brother,” she told me. That family connection was key in getting her onto the ice and setting her on the path ahead.
A Tough Choice: Hockey or Soccer
By her early teens, Millie was juggling hockey and soccer. Both sports held her attention, but she knew she needed to focus to take hockey seriously. “I couldn’t miss practices anymore,” she said. That commitment made all the difference as she started to rise through the ranks.
Playing with the Boys
Millie spent a good part of her youth playing alongside boys. The experience was challenging but formative. “They treated me like one of the guys,” she explained. That meant learning to be tough, take hits, and push herself harder. Those lessons are something she still relies on today in professional play.
Finding Role Models
Attending girls’ hockey camps introduced Millie to players she looked up to, such as Madelen Haug Hansen, a former national team player. Seeing women succeed on the ice helped Millie envision a future in the sport. Role models like these were crucial in fueling her ambition and helping her stay motivated.
Wearing the National Jersey
Millie has represented Norway at the World Championships, an important milestone in her career. While playing for her country holds a special place, it is part of a larger journey toward building a successful professional career.
Making History with Norway
One highlight in Millie’s career came when the Norwegian national team earned promotion to the top division for the first time since 1997. It was a milestone achieved through hard work and strong team unity. Millie describes the journey as tough but rewarding, with everyone pulling together to reach that goal.
Looking Ahead: The PWHL and Beyond
Now playing in the SDHL, Millie is focused on continuing her development and hopes to take the next step by joining the PWHL. She sees it as an opportunity to compete at the highest level and further grow her career. Her ambitions show the drive and passion that define the next generation of women’s hockey players.
Lessons from Millie’s Story
Millie’s path offers a few clear takeaways:
Family support and strong role models can spark a lasting passion for sports.
Commitment and focus are essential to move forward in competitive environments.
Playing against tough competition helps build resilience and skill.
Representing your country is a source of pride, but a professional career offers new challenges and goals.
Millie Sirum’s story is a reminder of how far passion combined with perseverance can take you. From her early days skating in Oslo to competing professionally and aiming for the PWHL, she represents the future of women’s hockey.
Watch our full conversation on YouTube.