After a break of five months, during which team rosters were reshuffled and two new teams were added, the third season of the PWHL is set to begin this Friday. Each team will play 30 regular-season games, with a break planned for the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February. The top four teams will advance to the Walter Cup playoffs.
The league expanded to the west coast with the addition of the Vancouver Goldeneyes. The Goldeneyes will face off against the Seattle Torrent in both teams’ inaugural game on Friday night. The PWHL has plans for further expansion, with the possibility of two to four more teams joining the league in the next season, aiming for a significant U.S. broadcast deal.
The upcoming weekend will be action-packed, starting with the reigning Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, hosting the Toronto Sceptres on Friday night. The Ottawa Charge will face the New York Sirens on Saturday, followed by 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 matchup between the Toronto Sceptres and Boston Fleet on November 29. Here are five key storylines to follow in the league’s third season:
1. How will the two new expansion teams integrate their rosters?
2. What impact will the roster shakeups have on the original six teams?
3. How will the Olympic break affect the league and its players?
4. What rule changes will influence the game this season?
5. What plans does the league have for future expansion and market growth?
The league is also planning neutral-site games in various cities as part of the Takeover Tour to engage fans across different regions. The PWHL aims to leverage the exposure from the Olympics to attract new fans and promote women’s hockey on a larger scale. Additionally, the league has introduced rule changes and enlisted the expertise of hall of fame official Bill McCreary to enhance officiating standards and consistency.
The PWHL’s third season promises exciting matchups, new challenges, and potential growth as it continues to evolve and expand its presence in the hockey world.