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The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is gearing up for an exhilarating -26 season with its expanded Takeover Tour. Following a successful previous season where over 123,000 fans attended games, the league is ready to introduce a total of 16 neutral-site matches across various cities in both Canada and the United States. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of women’s hockey and engage new audiences.
Tour highlights: New cities and expanded reach
Set to kick off on December 17, the tour will include stops in six Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Quebec City, and Winnipeg. Additionally, the league will venture into the United States with stops in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. This strategic tour not only showcases the league’s commitment to promoting women’s sports but also serves as a potential pathway for future team expansions.
Canadian cities hosting PWHL games
The PWHL will return to familiar locations while also introducing new venues for the first time. Quebec City will once again host a game, where the league hopes to draw in large crowds, similar to the last sold-out event that attracted over 18,000 fans. Officials like Martin Tremblay, president of Gestev, emphasize the significance of these games in promoting women’s hockey in regions that have shown a passionate interest.
In Edmonton, where a previous women’s hockey league existed until 2011, the PWHL aims to fill a gap in the hockey landscape. The Rogers Place arena, known for its capacity to host significant events, will provide a fitting backdrop for the matches scheduled for December 27 and April 6. The league’s presence in this city is expected to reignite local enthusiasm for women’s hockey.
Excitement builds for new opportunities
Calgary also joins the tour, marking its debut as a host city. The historical significance of women’s hockey in this city cannot be overlooked, with the Calgary Inferno previously winning championships in the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League. This rich history sets the stage for the PWHL to cultivate a new fan base eager for live women’s hockey. The games scheduled for April 1 will certainly attract attention.
Engaging with communities
Halifax, though lacking a professional women’s hockey team in the past, demonstrated strong support when the national teams faced off last winter. The Scotiabank Centre, which also serves as the home arena for the Halifax Mooseheads, will host two PWHL games, including a matchup between Toronto and Montreal. Local officials are enthusiastic about this opportunity, with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston stating that the community is primed for this moment in women’s hockey.
With the tour extending into the United States, cities like Denver and Detroit are also on the radar. Both locations have recorded impressive attendance figures in the past, highlighting the growing interest in women’s sports. The PWHL aims to capitalize on this momentum as it explores further expansion opportunities.
Looking ahead: A bright future for the PWHL
The PWHL is committed to continuing its growth, with plans to add two to four teams next season. Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Amy Scheer, has expressed optimism about the league’s trajectory, stating, “We are in growth mode. This league is exploding.” The anticipation surrounding the Takeover Tour reflects the increasing demand for women’s hockey across North America.
As the PWHL prepares for this exciting season, fans can expect a thrilling showcase of talent, passion, and community engagement. The Takeover Tour represents not only a series of games but a celebration of women’s sports, providing a platform for athletes to shine and for communities to rally around their teams.