The Professional Women’s Hockey League is currently in the final phases of reviewing expansion proposals to potentially introduce up to two additional teams into the existing six-team league for the upcoming season. Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, mentioned that a decision on expansion for the upcoming season is expected to be announced in the next four to six weeks.
Last year, Scheer had disclosed that the league was open to expansion proposals, resulting in over 25 requests being sent out for consideration. The evaluation process involves a weighted model that assesses various factors such as economic opportunities, demographics, hockey community, media presence, geographic location, travel expenses, and the infrastructure available for a professional team.
Of all the considerations, Scheer highlighted the significance of suitable game venues and the professional standards upheld in those facilities for the athletes. The league, along with its six existing teams, is under the ownership of the Mark Walter Group, and any potential expansion teams would likely be integrated into this single-ownership structure.
While the league has not disclosed the cities actively competing for a team, interest has been noted from markets that participated in the league’s Takeover Tour. Quebec City, for instance, demonstrated enthusiasm by filling the Videotron Centre during a game between Montreal Victoire and Ottawa Charge, attracting a substantial fan turnout.
The Takeover Tour, which visited various cities including Vancouver, Edmonton, Seattle, and Denver, garnered immense support, indicating the potential for league expansion. However, Scheer emphasized that while the tour serves as a showcase, it is not the sole criterion for assessing a city’s suitability for expansion.
The decision to expand will impact several league decisions for the upcoming season, including player drafts, scheduling considerations alongside the Olympic Games, and the possibility of trading draft picks based on the league’s team count. The league has adjusted its trade deadline to accommodate the expansion decision, with rosters set to freeze shortly thereafter.
If expansion proceeds, the league’s hockey operations department is actively preparing for an expansion draft and the necessary logistics involved in establishing new teams within a limited timeframe. Scheer affirmed the league’s readiness to navigate the complexities of expanding into new markets while maintaining the success achieved with the current six teams.
The league has seen a significant fan turnout this season, with over 382,000 attendees so far, and anticipates surpassing 1 million total attendees since its inception. Initiatives like the “no escape” rule have contributed to increased scoring on the ice, enhancing the game’s pace and skill level, as noted by Jayna Hefford, the league’s executive vice president of hockey operations.
Overall, the league remains focused on strategic growth and enhancing the professional standards and competitiveness within the women’s hockey landscape.