The critical purpose of a body check is to either gain the puck or disturb the progress of a player.  Absolutely smashing someone is not required for those goals.  Bumping a female off the puck accomplishes the exact same thing as smashing her.  So why the need to smash?  The big hits between two players usually takes both out of the play temporarily anyways.  If a female signs up to play contact, I’m assuming she understands she will get hit.  Nature of the hit should be tempered.  Just like you wouldn’t hit a small player as hard as you would hit James vL

I’d struggle to think of any contact sport where women play against men. My disagreement isn’t so much to do with mixed contact, but that women aren’t allowed to play contact against each other. But then, that doesn’t really involve me at all so I don’t get up in arms about it.

Hayley Wickenheiser did ok in one of the better divisions in Finland.  She was a pretty solidly built girl however.

I think if they are physically able to play, go for it.  If not, then they shouldn’t be allowed.  If you can’t protect yourself from normal contact, it’s too dangerous.  That goes for guys as well who can’t protect themselves.  Someone has to be able to make the call however.