In a groundbreaking move, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has unveiled its highly anticipated 9-date neutral-site schedule for the 2024-25 season. Dubbed the “Takeover Tour,” this initiative is set to bring the electrifying action of top-tier women’s hockey to a diverse array of cities across North America, captivating fans and propelling the sport to new heights.
A Continental Showcase
The PWHL’s strategic selection of neutral-site locations spans both the United States and Canada, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of the league’s talent and appeal. From the bustling metropolis of Seattle to the hockey-crazed city of Quebec, the Takeover Tour promises to engage enthusiasts from coast to coast.
According to Amy Scheer, PWHL Senior Vice President of Business Operations, this ambitious undertaking represents a natural progression for the league as it seeks to expand its audience and lay the groundwork for future growth. “Bringing PWHL games to fans across both countries is a natural next step as we continue building our audience,” Scheer explained. “The PWHL ‘Takeover Tour’ lets us showcase our game and exceptional athletes across a wider North American footprint — an exciting moment for our players and an important move for our business as we consider expansion.”
A Carefully Crafted Itinerary
The PWHL’s meticulous selection process for the neutral-site games has yielded an impressive lineup of host cities, each chosen for its unique hockey culture and enthusiastic fan base. The U.S. leg of the tour will feature stops in Raleigh, Buffalo, Detroit, St. Louis, Denver, and Seattle, while the Canadian dates will showcase the league’s talent in Vancouver and Quebec City. One additional site remains to be announced, adding an element of intrigue to the already captivating schedule.
The Takeover Tour is set to commence on January 5th, with a thrilling matchup between the Montreal franchise and the Boston squad in Seattle. This opening salvo will be followed by a cross-country clash between Montreal and Toronto in Vancouver just three days later. As the season progresses, hockey aficionados will be treated to a series of must-see games, including Minnesota facing off against Ottawa in Denver and an all-Canadian showdown between Ottawa and Montreal in Quebec City.
Expansion on the Horizon
The PWHL’s ambitious neutral-site schedule is more than just a showcase of the league’s present-day talent; it’s a glimpse into the future of women’s professional hockey. As the league eyes potential expansion by as many as two teams in the 2025-26 season, the Takeover Tour serves as a litmus test for the viability of new markets and the fervor of untapped fan bases.
Quebec City, in particular, has emerged as a frontrunner for PWHL expansion, boasting a state-of-the-art NHL-ready arena in the Videotron Centre and a passionate hockey community eager to embrace a professional women’s team. The city’s inclusion in the neutral-site schedule is a clear indication of the PWHL’s interest in this promising market.
A Global Vision
The PWHL’s aspirations extend far beyond the confines of North America. In a tantalizing hint of what the future may hold, the league has expressed its intention to explore the possibility of staging neutral-site games in Europe following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. This bold move would not only showcase the PWHL’s commitment to growing the sport on a global scale but also underscore the increasing international appeal of women’s hockey.
A Season to Remember
As the PWHL gears up for its second season, the anticipation surrounding the neutral-site schedule is palpable. With an expanded 30-game regular season and each team slated to participate in at least two neutral-site contests, the 2024-25 campaign promises to be a landmark year for the league and its dedicated fans.
From the season opener in Seattle to the final neutral-site game in St. Louis, the PWHL’s Takeover Tour is poised to captivate audiences, inspire a new generation of players, and solidify the league’s position as the premier destination for women’s professional hockey. As the puck drops on this groundbreaking initiative, one thing is certain: the PWHL is ready to take the sport to unprecedented heights, one city at a time.
