The PWHL is set to hold neutral-site matches in six different Canadian cities this season, with plans to introduce new teams as early as next season. This marks the second consecutive year that the eight-team league will feature games in Quebec City (e.g., Vancouver vs. Montreal on Jan. 11) and Edmonton (e.g., Minnesota vs. Vancouver on Dec. 27 and Boston vs. Vancouver on April 6).
Additionally, the league has expanded its Takeover Tour to include four new Canadian cities this season: Halifax (e.g., Toronto vs. Montreal on Dec. 17 and Ottawa vs. Boston on Jan. 11), Hamilton (e.g., Seattle vs. Toronto on Jan. 3), Winnipeg (e.g., Montreal vs. Ottawa on March 22), and Calgary (e.g., Toronto vs. Ottawa on April 1).
During the league’s previous nine-stop Takeover Tour, over 123,000 fans attended games. Notably, Vancouver and Seattle were chosen as the league’s new expansion franchises for the upcoming season.
The league is gearing up to play 16 neutral-site games across 11 locations in North America, with potential expansion markets being considered for the upcoming seasons. Amy Scheer, the PWHL’s executive vice president of business operations, revealed plans to expand by two to four teams next year during a recent address to Ottawa City Council.
In Quebec City, a game last season drew a capacity crowd of over 18,000 fans, indicating strong support for women’s hockey in the region. Similarly, Edmonton saw significant attendance levels, with a game at Rogers Place attracting more than 17,500 spectators. Both cities have expressed enthusiasm for hosting PWHL teams in the future.
Halifax and Edmonton are the only two Canadian cities hosting two games this season. Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre, which housed a successful Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series last winter, is poised to welcome the PWHL matches this year.
The league’s Takeover Tour will also visit Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., expanding its reach and fan engagement. PWHL games in Denver and Detroit have previously set attendance records, hinting at potential future team locations.
Scheer emphasized the league’s commitment to growth and engagement, stating, “The passion and support from fans, and the enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our league, have fueled our ambition to grow the tour for season three.”
The full schedule for the PWHL Takeover Tour includes matches in various cities across North America, showcasing the league’s commitment to expanding its presence and popularity in the world of women’s hockey.