PWHL Week 10 brought electrifying matchups and significant updates as teams jostle for playoff positioning. Highlights include historic fights and standout player performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season finale.
Firstly, the PWHL continues its Takeover Tour, where teams play at various NHL arenas across North America. This week, the Boston Fleet faced the New York Sirens at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. Despite the excitement of watching the league's elite play at such venues, attendance was surprisingly low. An announced crowd of just 8,512 showed up, starkly contrasting previous tour games where attendance numbers soared. For example, Edmonton’s Rogers Place attracted 17,518 fans when the Toronto Sceptres met the Ottawa Charge.
The disappointing turnout raises questions about marketing strategies and community engagement, especially considering Buffalo's history with women's hockey—the city was home to the NWHL's original Buffalo Beauts. Local hockey enthusiasts have expressed concerns over the league's visibility and appeal. With the PWHL actively evaluating potential expansion markets, low attendance could hinder future opportunities, leading some to speculate about whether Buffalo will remain viable for professional women's hockey.
Another major highlight of Week 10 was the first fight documented in PWHL history, where Jill Saulnier from the Fleet and Tereza Vanisova from the Charge squared off. The altercation occurred during their recent matchup and entailed some serious punches, though players maintained their gloves on because of the cages they wear during games. The fight ignited discussions about the allowance of fighting within the PWHL. Brian Burke, the executive director of the PWHL Players’ Association, remarked, "We have players who would like the rule book to allow fighting like this." He later reflected humorously on the injuries he sustained during his playing career, stating, "I don’t want my players to look like I do..."
The action on the ice was complemented by thrilling individual performances. Emily Clark of the Ottawa Charge was named one of the week’s stars, accumulating two goals and two assists across two games, leading her team to victory against league-leading Montreal. Meanwhile, Toronto goaltender Kristen Campbell made significant contributions with 23 saves against New York and another 22 against Minnesota to solidify her team’s strong weekend. Lastly, Hannah Miller of the Sceptres showcased her skill by becoming the first player to record two goals and two assists in one game, sealing the Sceptres’ 4-1 victory over New York.
The PWHL is also gearing up for potential expansion, with decision-making set to take place imminently. Amy Scheer, the league's executive vice president of business operations, said, "Right now, we’re really at the end of the evaluation phase," indicating they might announce new team placements within the next month. Interest seems to be particularly strong for potential markets on the west coast, especially Seattle and Vancouver, noting how well-attended recent games were there.
Finally, Jill Dempsey, often regarded as a cornerstone figure for women's hockey in Boston, has signed a full Standard Player Agreement with the Fleet after impressing during her 10-day stint. "It has been so much fun playing... and I can’t wait to continue playing for my home city," Dempsey noted, reflecting on her storied history with the Boston hockey scene.
With the playoffs on the horizon, every game and every performance matters greatly for the teams competing within the PWHL. The league is rapidly growing, and with the addition of players like Dempsey, the excitement surrounding women’s professional hockey is undeniably palpable.