The PWHL is set to hold games in six different Canadian cities this season, with plans to introduce new teams in the upcoming season. This marks the second consecutive season where the eight-team league will have neutral-site games in Quebec City (featuring Vancouver vs. Montreal on Jan. 11) and Edmonton (showcasing Minnesota vs. Vancouver on Dec. 27 and Boston vs. Vancouver on April 6).
Additionally, four new Canadian cities have been included in the league’s Takeover Tour for this season: Halifax (hosting Toronto vs. Montreal on Dec. 17 and Ottawa vs. Boston on Jan. 11), Hamilton (featuring Seattle vs. Toronto on Jan. 3), Winnipeg (showcasing Montreal vs. Ottawa on March 22), and Calgary (highlighting Toronto vs. Ottawa on April 1).
Last season, more than 123,000 fans attended games during the league’s Takeover Tour, with Vancouver and Seattle becoming the league’s expansion franchises for the current season. Looking ahead, the league plans to play 16 neutral-site games at 11 locations across North America.
Executive vice president of business operations for the PWHL, Amy Scheer, revealed plans to expand the league by adding two to four teams next season. This expansion strategy is in line with the league’s objective to broaden its presence after establishing teams in Vancouver and Seattle.
Games in Quebec City and Edmonton were sold out last season, signaling strong interest in women’s hockey in these regions. Quebec City officials have expressed enthusiasm for having a PWHL team at the Videotron Centre, emphasizing infrastructure as a key factor in team placement decisions.
Notably, Halifax, a city with no previous pro women’s hockey team, will host two games this season, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s hockey in Canada. The Takeover Tour will also visit cities such as Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., aiming to engage fans and expand the league’s reach.
As the league continues to grow, the upcoming season’s schedule features a diverse lineup of games across various cities, showcasing the expanding footprint and popularity of women’s hockey in North America.