The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is gearing up for its much-anticipated "Takeover Tour", which is set to bring the thrill of women’s hockey to nine different cities across North America. Following the successful "Takeover Weekends" last season, where fans experienced the action firsthand, the league is stoked to hit the road again, offering its regular-season games at neutral sites beginning January 5, 2025.
This tour will feature games played primarily at NHL arenas, providing fans with high-quality venues and the chance to see elite women's hockey stars compete on larger stages. Each of the PWHL's six teams—Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres—will participate, with at least two matches scheduled for the tour. Interestingly, Ottawa and Montréal will lead the way with four off-site games each.
The tour kicks off on January 5th, starting off with the Montreal Victoire facing off against the Boston Fleet at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena. This match is especially noteworthy as both teams feature world-class athletes like Marie-Philip Poulin, known for her three Olympic gold medals, and Hilary Knight, celebrated for her numerous world championships. Their history at Climate Pledge Arena only heightens anticipation; they previously played before record-breaking crowds during the 2022-23 Rivalry Series, showcasing women’s hockey at its finest with over 14,000 fans present.
PWHL’s Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Amy Scheer, expressed excitement about the potential of this tour, stating, "Bringing PWHL games to fans across both countries is a natural next step as we continue building our audience. The enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our league was incredibly encouraging." This sentiment highlights the PWHL's commitment to promoting the sport and increasing visibility and accessibility for fans nationwide.
Following Seattle, the tour will make memorable stops at venues across the continent, including Vancouver, Denver, Québec City, Buffalo, Raleigh—a city known for its cult following of hockey—and Detroit, before concluding on March 29th, 2025, back at St. Louis, with one additional city yet to be announced.
Fans who are eager not to miss out can look forward to buying tickets as presales start on November 21, with tickets going public the following day. The immersive experience at the PWHL games isn’t just about the on-ice action; it’s about community engagement and celebrating the athletes, which the league is dedicated to fostering through events across different markets.
Not only does this tour aim to deepen fan engagement, but it also serves as a strategy for potential expansion of the league. With two new teams set to join the league for the 2025-26 season, the PWHL is using this opportunity to explore new markets. This ambition was clarifying when Scheer mentioned the tour as part of showcasing exceptional athletes and the sport across North America, contributing to significant business decisions as they contemplate expansion.
The PWHL’s approach to the league, mixed with its commitment to fans and players alike, positions it to be at the forefront of women’s sports. The exciting developments are not only bringing high-caliber women’s hockey to new audiences but are also creating meaningful connections within the communities they represent.
Looking back at the league's impact, we see how the PWHL has blossomed since its inception, with record-breaking attendance and heightened popularity. The initiative for neutral-site games is indicative of their growth strategy focused on diversifying audiences and proving the viability and appeal of women’s professional hockey.
With the excitement building and stories like the ones of Knight and Poulin, the PWHL’s Takeover Tour promises to capture the imagination of hockey fans everywhere. It’s not just about the game; it’s about elevatively showcasing the remarkable talents of women athletes who are making history on and off the ice.
