The Professional Women`s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding its footprint westward, officially naming Vancouver as its first expansion franchise on Wednesday. This move aligns with the six-team league`s objective to extend its reach across North America.
The announcement was made official during a news conference by a young player from the Vancouver Angels under-11 girls team, whose teammates held signs supporting a local PWHL team. “We got a team,” she announced. Following this, the PWHL showed highlights, including footage from the league`s `Takeover Tour` neutral site game held in Vancouver back in January, concluding with a visual representation of PWHL Vancouver.
Jayna Hefford, vice president of hockey operations, described the expansion as a “significant milestone for the PWHL and for the growth of women`s hockey.” She added that it`s “a great celebration that we are growing, a tribute to the success we`ve had to date … and such a great moment for our sport and certainly our league.”
Looking ahead, the addition of a second expansion team is also anticipated, according to Amy Scheer, vice president of business operations. Seattle is being considered as a potential candidate.
Regarding the possibility of adding two Pacific Northwest markets, Scheer commented, “While some might say Seattle is the obvious shoe to drop, that doesn`t mean that`s what we`re going to do.”
She indicated that it would be reasonable to expect the PWHL to expand by two teams before the start of next season, adding, “So we`ll see what the following weeks or months bring.”
A person familiar with the private discussions confirmed that while Seattle is a target, other markets like Denver and Detroit are considered likely candidates if an agreement there is not reached.
The addition of Vancouver represents a major step for the league, which launched in June 2023 and is currently in its second season, bringing together the sport`s top players.
Despite Detroit being viewed as a prime expansion market, the PWHL opted to look west for its next step in evolving into a truly North American league, moving beyond its current concentration of five teams in the Northeast (Boston, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto) and one in the Midwest (St. Paul, Minnesota).
Vancouver became a clear choice over the past six months after the PWHL announced its intention to evaluate over 20 potential markets for expansion by up to two franchises.
Beyond being Canada`s third-largest city with a large corporate base for potential sponsors, Vancouver benefits from growth in its youth girls hockey programs and readily available venues for hosting games and practice.
The future team, which will initially be known as PWHL Vancouver, is expected to play home games at the Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the NHL`s Canucks, and practice at the Agrodome. Both facilities are located on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds near the city center and are easily accessible via major highways.
Another factor supporting Vancouver`s selection was the strong attendance at the PWHL`s Takeover Tour game held there, which drew a crowd of 19,038—the fourth-largest attendance in league history.
Scheer noted that fan engagement on social media leading up to the Vancouver game was the highest among all 11 Takeover Tour events. She also highlighted that 70% of attendees at Rogers Arena for the game were visiting the venue for the first time.
“We think we`ve got a pretty significant fan base out of B.C. that will come to our games,” Scheer stated. “So we really think they checked off all the boxes.”
The strong interest expressed by local officials in landing a team also played a positive role.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim commented, “The passion for women`s hockey and today`s announcement shows that Vancouver is ready to lead that charge on the West Coast.”
The team`s initial colors will be Pacific blue and cream. The PWHL plans to announce the date for an expansion draft and details on how Vancouver will be integrated into the upcoming entry draft on June 24 at a later time.
Expansion aligns with the expected influx of talented college and European prospects set to join the PWHL over the next two years, including players like Wisconsin senior Casey O`Brien, last season`s college hockey MVP, and Wisconsin juniors Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards.
“It adds just another reason why this is the right move now. The depth of talent is really good,” Hefford remarked, adding that expansion also creates more opportunities for developing coaches and support staff.
For Hefford, attending the Takeover stop in Vancouver brought back many memories.
“Vancouver really stood out as a great hockey market,” Hefford said. “I think we had an inkling that it was a market that we felt really positive about and were excited about learning more.”
The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games also hold special significance for Hefford, as it`s where she won her third of four Olympic gold medals.
“I think those Vancouver Games left a real imprint on Canadians for many reasons,” Hefford reflected, mentioning Canada`s record medal count at the time and the men`s hockey gold medal. “I just think that was such a pivotal moment for our country, and to be able to bring the PWHL there is something we`re all very excited about.”
