The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to embark on its highly anticipated second season, building upon the momentum and success of its inaugural campaign. With an expanded regular season, freshly branded teams, and a tour designed to showcase the sport in new markets, the PWHL is poised to captivate fans across the United States and Canada.
Expanded Regular Season and New Team Identities
One of the most significant changes for the PWHL’s second season is the expanded 30-game regular season, which will provide fans with more opportunities to watch their favorite players in action. Additionally, the league has unveiled new names and brand identities for its six franchises:
- Boston Fleet
- Minnesota Frost
- Montreal Victoire
- New York Sirens
- Ottawa Charge
- Toronto Sceptres
The rebranding has already proven successful, with the league experiencing its highest jersey sales in the week following the team name announcements.
Takeover Tour: Testing Potential Expansion Markets
In an effort to expose more fans to PWHL hockey and gather critical information for future expansion, the league will host nine neutral-site regular season games as part of its Takeover Tour. The tour will visit three Canadian cities without current PWHL teams and six U.S. cities, including Raleigh, Buffalo, and Detroit.
“We’re only in six markets and we need to continue to build our audience. We need to have people watch our product live,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL senior vice president of business operations.
Team Previews: What to Expect on the Ice
As the PWHL’s six teams gear up for the new season, here’s a glimpse of what fans can anticipate:
Boston Fleet
Led by U.S. women’s national team members Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, and goalie Aerin Frankel, the Fleet aim to improve upon their third-place finish and loss in the Walter Cup Finals. GM Danielle Marmer promises “an exciting and dynamic brand of hockey” that embraces physicality and team chemistry.
Minnesota Frost
The defending champions, anchored by USWNT captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, will carry a “target on your back” mentality into the new season. Under new GM Melissa Caruso and head coach Ken Klee, the Frost are ready to compete and prove their championship mettle.
Montreal Victoire
Montreal boasts a passionate fan base and the leadership of Canadian hockey icon Marie-Philip Poulin. Head coach Kori Cheverie and GM Danièle Sauvageau expect the influx of new talent to elevate the caliber of play and make for a memorable season.
New York Sirens
The Sirens, who finished last in the inaugural season, look to climb the standings with the addition of first overall draft pick Sarah Fillier. GM Pascal Daoust emphasizes puck possession, speed, and physicality as the team’s defining characteristics.
Ottawa Charge
Ottawa features rookie best friends Danielle Serdachny and Stephanie Markowski, who have played together since grade school. Head coach Carla MacLeod stresses the importance of becoming tougher to play against and embracing competition at every position.
Toronto Sceptres
The Sceptres, led by Canadian national team standouts Sarah Nurse, Renata Fast, Blayre Turnbull, and league MVP Natalie Spooner, aim to build upon their first-place regular season finish. GM Gina Kingsburg anticipates elevated play and great parity among the six teams.
As the PWHL continues to ride the wave of growing interest in women’s sports, the league is well-positioned to captivate audiences and showcase the immense talent of its athletes. With fierce competition, compelling storylines, and the potential for future expansion, the PWHL’s second season promises to be a thrilling ride for players and fans alike.
