The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is gaining traction as it progresses through its series of neutral site games, demonstrating significant interest and enthusiasm from fans. Currently in its second season with six teams, the league is contemplating the addition of up to two new franchises as early as next year.
In the last two weeks, the PWHL has attracted an impressive total of 45,664 attendees across three events, highlighted by a remarkable turnout of 14,018 in Denver. This crowd made waves during the game, chanting their desire for a local team to join the league. PWHL’s senior vice president of hockey operations, Jayna Hefford, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, indicating a strong demand for women’s hockey beyond just the existing markets. She emphasized the excitement felt in different venues, exemplifying a sense of community as local fans express their wish for a franchise.
Hefford playfully acknowledged the possibility of reconsidering the previously announced expansion plans due to the overwhelming reception. The series of games, referred to as the “Takeover Tour,” kicked off with Boston edging out Montreal 3-2 in a shootout, attended by 12,608 fans at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. The tour continued as the Victoire triumphed over Toronto 4-2 in front of 19,038 spectators in Vancouver, marking the PWHL’s third-largest audience to date. Denver’s event, where Minnesota defeated Montreal 4-2, set a new attendance record for the league in the U.S., surpassing the previous peak of 13,736 achieved in Detroit.
Marie-Philip Poulin from Montreal shared her feelings regarding the electrifying atmosphere in Denver, stating that the enthusiastic demand for a team provided hope for the league’s future growth. As the tour progresses, the Victoire is poised to participate in additional neutral site matches, with their next game featuring Montreal facing off against Ottawa in Quebec City.
Officials in Quebec City have been vocal about their ambition to host a PWHL team, actively promoting their campaign even before the league announced its potential expansion plans in October. Councilor Jackie Smith, who is a key figure in this endeavor, expressed satisfaction with the rapid ticket sales, affirming that Quebec City is very much in the running for being awarded the first new team in the newly expanding league.
The PWHL remains cautious in communicating its expansion strategy, deliberating whether to add one or two teams while assessing over 20 potential markets based on various criteria such as market size, facility access, economic opportunities, and potential fan engagement.
As the “Takeover Tour” continues, the league is set to visit Edmonton, Buffalo, New York, Raleigh, Detroit, and St. Louis over the upcoming months. Emerance Maschmeyer, a goalie for Ottawa, is eager to engage in the upcoming neutral site game in Quebec City, stating that the passion displayed in the arena is palpable, even from a distance. She anticipates an exciting experience as the team becomes involved in the lively atmosphere during the remaining events of the tour.
