🏫 The backdrop
Emerging from a tumultuous history of pro women’s hockey, the PWHL launched last season with top talent, a strong investor group, and a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ratified before the league’s inception.
The inaugural season exceeded expectations, breaking viewership and attendance records multiple times. The league’s off-season was also a success with new team names and jerseys in partnership with Bauer, setting the tone for expansion and growth.
Other notable achievements include a partnership with EA Sports, venue upgrades, and plans for expansion in the 2025–26 season.
⚙️ The set-up
Source: The Ice Garden
The regular season runs from today through May, featuring six teams playing 30 games each. The PWHL Takeover Tour will include nine games at neutral-site venues, mainly at NHL rinks.
The playoffs begin on May 6th, with the top four teams facing off in a best-of-five series. Exciting matchups and drama are expected to unfold.
🏒 The teams
Source: Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
💜 Minnesota Frost: The defending champions face challenges off the ice but remain a strong contender with key players returning. Watch out for Taylor Heise, Nicole Hensley, and Maddie Rooney.
💚 Boston Fleet: Runner-ups last year, Boston aims to improve their offense with players like Hilary Knight and Megan Keller.
💙 Toronto Sceptres: Despite a setback with MVP Natalie Spooner’s injury, Toronto remains a force with Sarah Nurse and Daryl Watts leading the charge.
❤️ Montréal Victoire: A strong lineup featuring Marie-Philip Poulin, Erin Ambrose, and Ann-Renée Desbiens is expected to perform well.
💛 Ottawa Charge: Ottawa looks to rebound with new talent like Danielle Serdachny and Brianne Jenner.
🧜 NY Sirens: NY’s hopes rest on top draft pick Sarah Fillier and returning scorers Alex Carpenter and Ella Shelton.
📺 How to tune in
Source: Getty Images
The action kicks off today at 2 p.m. ET with Boston vs. Toronto and Ottawa vs. Montréal. Reigning champs, Minnesota, will host NY tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET.
Canadian viewers can catch the games on TSN, RDS, CBC, and Prime Video, while U.S. viewers can watch on the league’s YouTube channel. Get ready for an exciting season of pro women’s hockey!
