Table of Contents
The atmosphere at the Scotiabank Centre was electric as young fans pressed against the glass, cheering for their hockey heroes during an open practice session. Players from the Toronto Sceptres and Montréal Victoire captivated the audience with their skills, igniting dreams of witnessing professional hockey live. For many children, this was an opportunity worth skipping school. One young fan even shared a sign expressing regret for missing a school concert for this experience.
As the day progressed, players from the Victoire took on the role of coaches for a youth clinic, providing aspiring athletes with a chance to learn from the best. This event was not merely a practice; it marked a pivotal moment in Halifax’s pursuit of securing a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.
The Takeover Tour: A pathway to expansion
The PWHL currently comprises eight teams, including those based in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Seattle. The league aims to expand to twelve teams, potentially as early as the next season. The ongoing Takeover Tour showcases the league, allowing it to visit various cities across North America while assessing their viability for future franchises.
Community involvement
Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, addressed local leaders at the Halifax Convention Centre. She emphasized the significance of community support as a determining factor for expansion. Scheer noted the success of ticket sales for both the opening game and a subsequent match scheduled for January 11, both of which sold out quickly. “We had to hold back tickets during the presale just to ensure availability for the public,” she explained, highlighting the overwhelming enthusiasm of the local fan base.
Throughout downtown Halifax, promotional materials featuring players’ images adorned lampposts, a clear indication of the city’s support for the league’s arrival. Jayna Hefford, the league’s executive vice president of hockey operations, expressed confidence in Halifax as a strong market for women’s hockey, recalling her own experiences competing there.
Infrastructure and logistics for a successful franchise
Critical to any potential franchise is the necessary infrastructure, including a suitable arena for games and training facilities. Events East, which manages the Scotiabank Centre, has been diligently planning these games and related community events for months. They organized not only the open practices and youth clinics but also a coaches’ panel and a pop-up clinic in nearby Pictou County.
Building a hockey culture
Suzanne Fougere, executive vice president of Events East, shared insights on the importance of demonstrating the community’s pride and passion for hockey during this tour. “Our goal is to showcase how welcoming Halifax can be for a PWHL team, and then the decision about expansion ultimately rests with the league,” she stated.
The Scotiabank Centre, which seats approximately 10,500 fans for hockey games, aligns well with the league’s requirements for a home arena. Additionally, discussions regarding the establishment of a dedicated practice facility are underway, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting a professional women’s hockey team.
Travel logistics and future prospects
One challenge on the horizon is the travel logistics for teams, as some PWHL markets lack direct flight connections. The league will gain insights into travel dynamics when the Victoire head directly from Halifax to Vancouver for their next match against the Goldeneyes. This aspect remains essential for the feasibility of a franchise in Halifax.
The Takeover Tour will encompass eleven different cities this season, with Halifax being one of five locations scheduled for multiple games. This not only provides a platform for showcasing talent but also represents a homecoming for many players who hail from the region.
As the day progressed, players from the Victoire took on the role of coaches for a youth clinic, providing aspiring athletes with a chance to learn from the best. This event was not merely a practice; it marked a pivotal moment in Halifax’s pursuit of securing a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.0
As the day progressed, players from the Victoire took on the role of coaches for a youth clinic, providing aspiring athletes with a chance to learn from the best. This event was not merely a practice; it marked a pivotal moment in Halifax’s pursuit of securing a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.1
As the day progressed, players from the Victoire took on the role of coaches for a youth clinic, providing aspiring athletes with a chance to learn from the best. This event was not merely a practice; it marked a pivotal moment in Halifax’s pursuit of securing a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.2