Table of Contents
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to ignite its third season starting on November 21, marking a significant moment in its history as it expands from six to eight teams. This expansion introduces the highly anticipated teams of PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle, who will face off for the first time at 10 p.m.
ET in the historic Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, which will serve as their home arena.
Earlier that same evening, at 7 p.m. ET, the reigning champions, the Minnesota Frost, will begin their journey towards a third consecutive Walter Cup.
They will host the Toronto Sceptres, a team they have bested in the playoffs for the past two seasons.
Season overview and game schedule
This upcoming season promises an action-packed schedule, featuring a total of 120 games, a notable increase from last year’s 90 games and the 72 from the inaugural season.
Each of the eight teams will compete in 30 matches, ensuring every team faces off against each other at least four times throughout the season.
Jayna Hefford, the executive vice-president of hockey operations for the PWHL, expressed enthusiasm about the new season, stating, “This year will be remarkable with the addition of our expansion teams in Seattle and Vancouver, and we are excited to extend the PWHL community to the West Coast.
We eagerly anticipate the impact our new and returning players will have and are committed to providing an even more competitive season for our fans.”
Opening weekend excitement
The season’s opening weekend will showcase all eight teams in action.
On Saturday, the Ottawa Charge will take on the New York Sirens at 7 p.m. ET, while on Sunday, the Montreal Victoire will kick off their season on the road against the Boston Fleet at 1 p.m. ET.
Specific details regarding broadcasting options are yet to be revealed.
Moreover, the league plans to continue its tradition of hosting games outside the teams’ home venues. Last season, the PWHL visited nine cities as part of its Takeover Tour, and this initiative will carry on into the new season.
The newcomers: Vancouver and Seattle
The inaugural match on November 21 will provide the first glimpse of the newly formed teams in Vancouver and Seattle, which have been meticulously constructed through an expansion draft that took place last spring. Vancouver, in particular, is set to have a formidable defensive lineup, anchored by three defenders from the previous season’s champion, Minnesota Frost: Sophie Jaques, Claire Thompson, and Mellissa Channell-Watkins.
Additionally, Vancouver will showcase local talent with at least two players hailing from the region, Hannah Miller from North Vancouver and Jennifer Gardiner from Surrey, B.C. Gardiner expressed her excitement about the season opener: “Starting our season at home in the Pacific Coliseum is a dream come true for me. I have longed for this moment since I was a child, and I can’t wait to experience it with both my teammates and our fans on November 21. Connecting with our incredible fans over the past months has been wonderful, and I’m eager to see the arena filled with supporters on game day!”
Shifts in team dynamics
The expansion has also led to significant changes in several existing teams. For example, both Toronto and Montreal have lost their top three draft picks following the expansion process. However, the New York Sirens will likely appear the most different, having lost four of their top five scorers and their starting goaltender, Corinne Schroeder, during the draft.
With these departures, the Sirens will build their roster around last season’s rookie of the year, Sarah Fillier, and two promising top draft picks, Kristýna Kaltounková and Casey O’Brien, as they strive to achieve their first playoff berth.
International competition and Olympic break
Earlier that same evening, at 7 p.m. ET, the reigning champions, the Minnesota Frost, will begin their journey towards a third consecutive Walter Cup. They will host the Toronto Sceptres, a team they have bested in the playoffs for the past two seasons.0
Earlier that same evening, at 7 p.m. ET, the reigning champions, the Minnesota Frost, will begin their journey towards a third consecutive Walter Cup. They will host the Toronto Sceptres, a team they have bested in the playoffs for the past two seasons.1
