The PWHL is set to hold games in six different Canadian cities on neutral grounds this season and is looking to introduce new teams in the upcoming season. This marks the second consecutive season where the eight-team league will feature matchups in Quebec City and Edmonton.
In addition to these familiar locations, the league’s Takeover Tour will also include four new Canadian cities: Halifax, Hamilton, Winnipeg, and Calgary. These cities will host exciting games featuring various PWHL teams, adding to the league’s growing popularity.
Last season, more than 123,000 fans attended games during the league’s Takeover Tour, which included stops in Vancouver and Seattle, the two expansion franchises for the current season. The PWHL aims to play 16 neutral-site games at 11 different locations across North America, hinting at potential expansion markets for the league.
According to Amy Scheer, the PWHL’s executive vice president of business operations, the league plans to expand by two to four teams in the next season. The addition of teams in Vancouver and Seattle laid the groundwork for further growth and development of the league.
Quebec City and Edmonton were standout locations last season, with sold-out games drawing impressive crowds. Quebec City, in particular, has shown significant interest in having a PWHL team, with the success of past games highlighting the city’s passion for women’s hockey.
Halifax and Edmonton are among the Canadian cities hosting two games each this season. Halifax, despite not having a professional women’s hockey team previously, has demonstrated strong support for the sport, as seen in the Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series game held last winter.
The PWHL’s Takeover Tour will also extend beyond Canada, visiting cities in the United States such as Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. The league’s expansion and growing fan base have paved the way for an exciting season ahead, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of women’s hockey.
The full schedule for the PWHL Takeover Tour includes matchups in various cities, providing fans across North America with the opportunity to witness high-level women’s hockey action. The league’s commitment to expanding its reach and engaging with new audiences reflects its ambition to continue growing and evolving.