The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is at the midpoint of its second season, and the buzz is palpable as teams gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating race for playoff positions. Among the headlines is the highly anticipated return of Toronto Sceptres star Natalie Spooner, who has been activated from Long-Term Injured Reserve after recovering from knee surgery following a severe injury last May during the playoffs. Spooner’s comeback will undoubtedly provide the Sceptres with much-needed momentum as they compete for playoff positioning.
Natalie Spooner, the reigning PWHL MVP, is set to make her season debut on February 11, 2025, particularly significant since it coincides with the Sceptres’ matchup against the Minnesota Frost, the same team Spooner faced during her injury. Spooner expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m excited to be back with my teammates and looking forward to competing next to them again.” Her return follows months of rehabilitation after she tore her ACL during the semifinals against the Frost. Spooner’s surgery was at the end of May 2024, and she has been cleared for contact since mid-January. Last season, she led the league with 20 goals and secured the top forward title, scoring nearly 29% of the Sceptres’ goals.
While Spooner’s return is exhilarating for the Sceptres, the loss of forward Sarah Nurse due to injury presents another challenge. Announced shortly before Spooner’s return, Nurse has been placed on long-term injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury during the Canadian Rivalry Series. Nurse was third on the team’s scoring chart, amassing 12 points, including five goals, but her absence will be felt significantly by the Sceptres who are already dealing with a rocky season start, holding fourth place with 19 points.
The Sceptres are currently riding high on momentum, entering the February international break with four-straight points, pushing them to fourth place, albeit trailing behind arch-rivals New York, currently sitting just above them. Their slow start, marked with only three wins out of ten games, has kept them on edge. Managing to break free from the basement, the Sceptres can only hope Spooner will ignite the resurgence needed to conquer opponents effectively as they aim for the top four playoff spots.
Turning the spotlight onto the league as a whole, the PWHL has witnessed significant growth this season. Attendance has surged by 33%, with over 312,000 fans already attending games as of this midseason analysis. “Attendance is up about 33 percent over… this season,” revealed Scott Lowe from MYHockey News, highlighting the increasing popularity of women’s professional hockey.
With the playoff race heating up, it's imperative to note the struggle teams face as the final months approach. Currently, only the top four teams will qualify for the playoffs commencing on May 5, and the tight standings signal intense competition. Leading the charge is the Montréal Victoire with 31 points, riding on a five-game winning streak, closely followed by Minnesota at 25 points, with New York and Toronto fighting for relevant spots at 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Rookie sensation Sarah Fillier from the New York Sirens is showcasing her prowess, leading the league's scoring race with 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) and displaying remarkable talent expected of the first overall pick. Her performance demonstrates not only her skill set but also the rising caliber of rookie talent entering the league this season.
Meanwhile, veteran players are stepping up. Marie-Philip Poulin from the Montréal Victoire boasts ten goals, leading to her team’s success. The offensive duos on teams are setting the stage for thrilling rivalries, with Minnesota’s trio of Coyne Schofield, Heise, and Thompson tying for second place with 14 points, fostering exciting matchups for fans.
With teams continuing to prepare for the intense playoff race, the PWHL’s Takeover Tour and other events promise additional excitement. The fifth outing of the Takeover Tour will occur on February 16 at Rogers Place, where the Ottawa Charge face the Sceptres, contributing to growing fan interest across various markets. Upcoming tours will see games held at notable arenas, increasing visibility and attendance, effectively broadening the fan base.
Every game from here on out carries enormous significance, with playoff spots up for grabs. Teams are working fiercely to not only capture wins but also the hearts of spectators becoming more engaged with the women’s game. With Spooner back on the ice, and the playoff race intensifying, the excitement surrounding the PWHL as they gear up for the coming weeks is palpable.