The PWHL is set to kick off its third season after a transformative five-month off-season, during which rosters underwent significant changes and two new teams were introduced. The upcoming season will consist of each team playing 30 regular-season games, with a break in February for the Milano-Cortina Olympics. The top four teams will advance to the Walter Cup playoffs. The league expanded its reach to the west coast with the addition of the Vancouver Goldeneyes, who will face off against the Seattle Torrent in their inaugural game on Friday night.
The PWHL is eyeing further expansion, with the possibility of adding two to four more teams in the upcoming season as it looks to secure a major U.S. broadcast deal. The third season promises an exciting start, with the reigning champions, the Minnesota Frost, taking on the Toronto Sceptres in a playoff rematch on Friday. Other notable matchups include the Ottawa Charge hosting the New York Sirens on Saturday and the Montreal Victoire visiting Boston on Sunday.
A total of 17 games this season will be broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem, starting with a game between the Toronto Sceptres and Boston Fleet on Nov. 29. The league’s third season brings several intriguing storylines to watch, including how the two expansion teams, the Goldeneyes and Torrent, will integrate their new rosters. Vancouver boasts a lineup of talented players, including goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and forward Sarah Nurse, while Seattle features a formidable offense led by Hannah Bilka and Hilary Knight.
As the PWHL continues to grow, the league is already planning for additional expansion, with the possibility of new teams joining in the near future. The league is exploring new markets and will be staging neutral-site games in various cities as part of the Takeover Tour. The upcoming season will also coincide with the Olympics, providing an opportunity to attract new fans to women’s hockey.
In terms of rule changes, the PWHL is implementing new regulations for the upcoming season, such as the elimination of coach’s challenges and the requirement for three goaltenders to be under contract. The league has also appointed Bill McCreary, a hall of fame official, as the director of officiating to ensure consistency in officiating standards.
Overall, the PWHL’s third season promises exciting matchups, new challenges, and continued growth for the league as it aims to expand its reach and enhance the quality of women’s hockey.
