The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is heading west as it officially announced the addition of Vancouver, British Columbia, as its seventh franchise on April 23, 2025. This significant milestone marks the league's first expansion team, set to begin play in the 2025-2026 season. The announcement was made during a lively press conference in downtown Vancouver, where players from a local girls' under-11 hockey team enthusiastically waved signs advocating for a PWHL team in their city.
Vancouver is set to become the first west coast team in the PWHL, which currently consists of six franchises primarily based in the eastern United States and Canada. The PWHL has been making strides since its establishment in June 2023, and the addition of Vancouver is part of a broader strategy to expand its reach across North America. "This is a significant milestone for the PWHL and for the growth of women’s hockey," said Jayna Hefford, vice president of hockey operations. "It’s a great celebration that we are growing, a tribute to the success we’ve had to date … and such a great moment for our sport and certainly our league."
The Vancouver franchise will play its home games at the Pacific Coliseum, a historic venue that has a seating capacity of over 16,000 for hockey. The Pacific Coliseum was the original home of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks until 1995 and is located on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds, making it easily accessible for fans. The PWHL team will also practice at the nearby PNE Agrodome, which will undergo renovations to enhance the facilities for players and coaches.
During its second season, the PWHL has already smashed attendance records, drawing a total of 593,567 fans, significantly surpassing last season's attendance of 392,259. A standout moment came during the PWHL Takeover Tour, where a game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver attracted a staggering crowd of 19,038 fans, the largest attendance for any game in the league this season. This impressive turnout highlights the strong interest in women's hockey in the region and sets a promising foundation for the new franchise. "We think we’ve got a pretty significant fan base out of B.C. that will come to our games," Amy Scheer, the PWHL's executive vice president of business operations, remarked.
As the PWHL prepares for this exciting expansion, there are ongoing discussions about adding a second team, likely to be located in Seattle, Washington. The proximity of Seattle—just 143 miles away—creates the potential for a heated rivalry and facilitates travel for visiting teams. "While some might say Seattle is the obvious shoe to drop, that doesn’t mean that’s what we’re going to do," Scheer stated, emphasizing that no agreement has been finalized yet. However, the league is optimistic about the Seattle market, which has also shown strong support for women's hockey, evidenced by a crowd of over 12,000 during a Takeover Tour game.
Vancouver's selection as a new franchise is a testament to the city's growing youth hockey programs and the increasing popularity of women's sports. The PWHL aims to inspire young players like 12-year-old Lauren Fraser, who dreams of playing professionally. "It opens up space for girls' hockey," she expressed after a practice with her U13 A1 team. "I’m pretty excited for it." The PWHL plans to launch various initiatives, including hosting camps and clinics, to connect with fans and foster a strong community around the new team.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the franchise, the PWHL is also focused on ensuring competitive parity across the league. The expansion draft, scheduled to take place before the league's entry draft on June 24, 2025, will help build a competitive roster for the Vancouver team right from the start. Hefford emphasized that the priority is for the new team to be competitive on day one, stating, "We’re not looking for an expansion team that’s going to build and take five years to be competitive." This approach reflects the league's commitment to showcasing high-level talent and providing opportunities for players.
The announcement of the Vancouver franchise also rekindles memories of the city’s rich history in women's hockey. Vancouver previously hosted elite women's hockey teams, including the Vancouver Amazons and the Vancouver Griffins, which played in the National Women's Hockey League. The PWHL's return to Vancouver is seen as a pivotal moment for the sport, especially considering the city's success during the 2010 Winter Olympics, where the Canadian women's team, including Hefford, won gold. "I think that was such a pivotal moment for our country, and to be able to bring the PWHL there is something we’re all very excited about," Hefford remarked.
As the PWHL gears up for the 2025-2026 season, the anticipation surrounding the Vancouver franchise continues to build. With a dedicated arena, a passionate fan base, and plans for community engagement, the new team is poised to make a significant impact in women’s hockey. The league's leadership remains committed to fostering growth and inclusivity in the sport, ensuring that young players have role models to aspire to and a pathway to professional hockey.
Overall, the addition of the Vancouver franchise marks a new chapter for the PWHL, and the league is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With the potential expansion to Seattle and ongoing efforts to engage with fans and players, the PWHL is well on its way to establishing a strong presence on the west coast and beyond.
