“Probably playing in men’s leagues, maybe Wednesday or Saturday night pickup hockey,” Chu said.

But Chu, a three-time United States Olympian, said that would not be the same as playing against other top women.

“We’re very fortunate to have the C.W.H.L. for those who want to keep playing hockey,” she said.

Players are not paid in the women’s league, a nonprofit entity mostly underwritten by Scotiabank, one of Canada’s largest banks. The Scotiabank grant covers rink-rental expenses and travel — mostly by bus — for the league’s six teams, in Montreal, Boston, Alberta, Toronto and two cities near Toronto, Burlington and Brampton.

The Canadian and American national teams pay for sticks and skates for their players in the league. Most of those players will start training camp this week for the women’s world championship tournament next month in Burlington, Vt. But the rest of the league’s players must buy their own sticks and skates, as well as juggle hockey and day jobs in their schedules.

“A lot of players graduate from university, and then they have to choose,” said Brenda Andress, the league’s commissioner. “Am I going to continue to play this game I love? If I’m a guy, I get to do it. If I’m a girl, I’ve got to work at a job, and only then go get to do what I do best.”

Life as a C.W.H.L. player has its hardships.

“We take a 10-hour bus trip to Toronto every other weekend,” said Caitlin Cahow, a two-time United States Olympian who plays for the Boston Blades. “It’s great — we enjoy each other’s company. But there are only so many times you can watch ‘Bridesmaids.’ It’s like living in ‘Slap Shot,’ but it’s wearing on players.”