The Professional Women’s Hockey League is gearing up for an exciting second season, set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 30, a month earlier than last year. The league has announced an expanded schedule, with each of the six teams playing 30 games this season, up from 24 in the inaugural season.
The season opener will see the Boston Fleet facing off against the Toronto Sceptres, followed by the Ottawa Charge taking on the Montreal Victoire. The New York Sirens will hit the road to play against the Minnesota Frost the next day to start their season.
Running through May 3, the regular season will include three extended international breaks to accommodate players’ national team commitments. These breaks will be in December, March, and a 22-day break in April, coinciding with the world championships in the Czech Republic.
In addition to the scheduled games, the league has planned 14 matchups at venues yet to be announced. These games will be played at neutral sites or larger venues in the home markets of the teams.
Last season, the PWHL played games in Detroit and Pittsburgh, and this season, they plan to add more neutral site games to the schedule. The league has also partnered with NHL teams to host games at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ arena and the Montreal Canadiens’ Bell Centre. A game between Toronto and Montreal last season attracted a record-breaking crowd of 21,105 fans.
The Minnesota Frost already play at the Minnesota Wild’s arena, while the New York Sirens have found a home at the New Jersey Devils’ arena after playing games at three different venues last season.
The excitement for the upcoming season is palpable, with PWHL senior VP of hockey operations Jayna Hefford expressing the eagerness of teams and players to bring their new identities to life. The unveiling of team names and logos last month has only added to the anticipation.
Some highlights of the upcoming season include the Frost facing off against the Fleet on Dec. 4, their first meeting since Minnesota clinched the inaugural Walter Cup in a thrilling Game 5 in May. The Sirens will have their home opener on Dec. 18 after starting the season with three away games. And on April 26, all six teams will be in action.
The 90-game schedule is designed to be balanced, with teams playing each other six times: three at home and three on the road. With an expanded schedule, new partnerships, and increased excitement, the second season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League promises to be a thrilling ride for players and fans alike.