The PWHL begins its second season aiming to build on the success of its first year, featuring new players, logos, and plans for expansion.
The Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is kicking off its second season with a sense of optimism and excitement, building on the success of its inaugural year. The league, which was founded in late June 2023, had a remarkable launch that captivated hockey fans and made history with its six-team format. Despite facing challenges typical of any new league, such as establishing a fan base, securing media attention, and managing the logistics of a first season, the PWHL exceeded expectations, drawing attention for its high level of competition, strong performances, and talented athletes. Now, heading into Season 2, the league aims to capitalize on its momentum with new faces, fresh logos, and an ambitious expansion plan.
One of the most recognized figures in women’s hockey, Hilary Knight, expressed her admiration for what the league accomplished in such a short period of time. At 35 years old, Knight, one of the most decorated players in the history of USA Hockey, continues to be in awe of the strides that women’s sports, especially women’s hockey, have made in North America. Reflecting on her personal experiences during the PWHL’s first year, Knight emphasized the significance of the league’s establishment and the opportunity it represents for women in professional sports. “It’s just the perfect timing to be able to be a woman in pro sports and be a part of the piece that continues to move the sport forward,” she said. “We’re part of the conversation now.” Her words underscore the growing visibility of women’s sports, and how the PWHL is riding the wave of this cultural shift, helping to further elevate the profile of women’s hockey.
The opening season of the PWHL, with its many “firsts”—the inaugural game, the first road trips, and the first win—were milestones that Knight and her teammates will always cherish. While the Boston team’s postseason run fell short in the finals against Minnesota, Knight took pride in being part of the league’s birth, understanding the importance of every step in the process. “Celebrating the first year for every team is critical because it was the inaugural season,” she said. “And now it really does feel like, ‘OK, let’s go.’” Knight’s reflection suggests that the first season laid the groundwork for future growth and success.
The PWHL’s second season officially begins with all six teams in action, marking a new chapter for the league. The schedule has expanded, with each team now set to play 30 games, up from 24 in the inaugural season. This increase in games gives fans more chances to see their favorite teams and players on the ice. Furthermore, the league will feature an influx of talent as both college graduates and international veterans from Europe join the ranks. This season is expected to showcase even more competitive play as new and returning players elevate the level of competition.
The teams in the PWHL are also sporting fresh identities this season, with each franchise unveiling a new logo and nickname. Last year, teams played under their league affiliations, but the adoption of these new team identities is a significant move towards creating distinct brands that fans can rally behind. The addition of these new logos and nicknames helps foster a sense of individuality and excitement for fans, solidifying the PWHL as a legitimate and established league in the sports landscape.
Expansion is also a central theme for the league as it enters its second season. The PWHL, which is privately funded and centrally controlled, is eyeing expansion with plans to add up to two new franchises by next year. This growth is a reflection of the league’s success and the increasing demand for women’s professional hockey. The potential expansion would further solidify the league’s presence in North America and create more opportunities for players and fans alike.
As Jayna Hefford, the vice president of hockey operations, reflected, the first season of the PWHL surpassed the expectations of even the most optimistic members of the league. “Obviously, the first season exceeded all of our expectations,” Hefford said. “We always believed. We had a vision for it. But to see it happen as quickly as it did was something that was pretty special.” This rapid success speaks to the talent and passion that exists in the league, both on and off the ice. For Hefford and her colleagues, the quick growth of the league and the positive reception from fans reaffirm their belief in the PWHL’s long-term viability.
Season 2 of the PWHL also marks a fresh start for some teams with new venues and a wider geographic reach. For example, the Toronto team is moving into a larger home rink, which will provide more seating and accommodate the increasing interest in women’s hockey in the city. New York, which struggled with venue issues last season, has finally settled into a permanent home, which should help to solidify its fan base. Additionally, the league is expanding its footprint by hosting nine neutral-site games in cities across the United States, including locations in North Carolina and the Pacific Northwest. These neutral-site games are part of the league’s efforts to grow its presence outside the major hockey markets, spreading the excitement and opportunity for fans across a wider area.
In Minnesota, the Frost are riding high after winning the championship in the inaugural season, but they also face challenges. The team endured a tumultuous offseason, with the dismissal of general manager Natalie Darwitz following an internal and external review prompted by a strained relationship between Darwitz and head coach Ken Klee. Despite this disruption, Klee expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and continue competing at the highest level. “For me it’s just about getting our group back together,” Klee said. “We’re focusing on the future. Pro hockey, things happen, some unfortunate things and some things out of our control, and we’re just really looking forward and excited to get the season going.” The Frost, who made a remarkable playoff run despite losing five straight games to close out the regular season, are determined to build on their triumphs and overcome the offseason turmoil.
Toronto, on the other hand, is still stinging from its playoff collapse against Minnesota, where the regular-season champions were knocked out in the semifinals after losing star player Natalie Spooner to a knee injury. Spooner’s absence will be felt early in the season, but captain Blayre Turnbull believes the team can rise to the challenge. “She was a huge part of our success last season, but I think the biggest thing for us as we approach this season without her in the lineup is that everyone is aware that they’re not going to replace Natalie Spooner,” Turnbull explained. “Everyone has an opportunity to step up and be the best player that they can be. And I think it’ll be a good test for our team.” With a deep roster, Toronto will look to prove that it can contend without its star forward.
The Montreal Victoire are also poised for a strong season, having made significant improvements to their roster. After being swept by Boston in a tightly contested semifinal series that included three overtime games, Montreal is determined to be better prepared for the 2024 season. General manager Danièle Sauvageau focused on adding speed and offensive depth to the team, bringing in new talent such as U.S. national team defenseman Cayla Barnes and Swedish forward Lina Ljungblom. These additions, along with the leadership of Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin, should help the Victoire remain competitive in the league’s second season.
Expectations are high for Ottawa and New York, two teams that missed the playoffs in the inaugural year but are determined to improve. New York’s roster has been bolstered by a stellar draft class that included top Canadian prospect Sarah Fillier, Swedish defenseman Maja Persson, and Finnish forward Noora Tulus. Ottawa, too, has made moves to strengthen its lineup by adding size and skill, with key acquisitions such as forward Danielle Serdachny and defenseman Ronja Savolainen. The Charge are hoping that their new talent will help them avoid the tight losses that plagued their first season, where they struggled in overtime games. “I think we learned sort of the hard way just how tight this league is,” said captain Brianne Jenner. “At the end of the day, earning a couple of extra of those points would have served us well.”
With heightened expectations, an expanded season, and new talent coming in, the PWHL’s second season promises to be even more exciting than the first. The league has already made tremendous strides, and it seems poised for even greater growth in the years to come. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the PWHL as it continues to raise the bar for women’s professional hockey.
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