“Pressure Is Privilege”: Ena Nystrøm On Embracing Her Role in the Growth of Norwegian Women’s Hockey
The Brynäs IF goaltender reflects on visibility, responsibility, and helping move Norwegian women’s hockey forward
Growing up in Norway, Ena did not have the same access to women’s hockey that young players have today. Even so, she knew early on what she wanted.
By the time she was 12, she had set her sights on playing college hockey in the United States. It was an ambitious goal, especially coming from a country where the women’s game is still continuing to grow. That goal gave her something specific to work toward.
Today, as a goaltender with Brynäs IF in the SDHL and a member of the Norwegian national team, Ena is part of a group of players helping push the program forward.
Check out our full conversation on YouTube.
“I think the numbers show that we are definitely taking the right steps,” she said. “A lot more girls are playing now, just number-wise. I wish that we took an even steeper slope in terms of development and our level of play, but that’s something we’re working on.”
She believes in the direction the program is heading, even as she recognizes there is still work to be done.
“We need the resources and the opportunities to do so, but it’s a work in progress. So I believe in our process.”
Understanding the Responsibility That Comes With the Role
As her career has progressed, Ena has become increasingly aware of her role within Norwegian women’s hockey.
“I definitely take a lot of pride in it,” she said. “I think that’s a big part of being a pro hockey player, is to be a good role model and kind of do what you can to improve as a nation.”
That responsibility is not something she takes lightly. It extends beyond her own performance and into what her presence represents for players coming behind her.
She remembers what it was like to be a young player trying to understand what her future in hockey could look like.
“I think it’s super important,” she said. “Having a dream and having something you want to go for is super important for your development.”
At the time, simply seeing other players succeed helped make those goals feel attainable.
“I remember when I was younger, we obviously couldn’t watch much women’s hockey,” she said. “But I remember when I was 12 years old, I knew I wanted to play college hockey in the U.S., and that drove me a lot in tough times throughout my youth.”
Now, young players in Norway have more opportunities to follow the sport and see what is possible.
“I think it’s super important to see girls play and have role models that you can mimic your game after,” she said. “Get some creativity or stuff like that. Just kind of see how they do their everyday and what they do to be successful.”
Carrying That Perspective Forward
The expectations that come with representing both club and country are something Ena embraces. “Pressure is privilege,” she said.
It is a mindset that reflects how she approaches her career and the opportunities it offers. Through her play with Brynäs IF and her continued role with the national team, she is now part of a program that continues to build toward something more.
She is one of the players helping carry that progress forward.
Check out our full conversation on YouTube.