The women’s hockey scene is thriving, with the PWHL entering its third season with expansion teams in Vancouver and Seattle, expanding the league to eight teams under the ownership of Mark Walter, the billionaire behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The upcoming Winter Olympics promise an exciting showdown between perennial rivals Canada and the United States in Italy this February.
Players are gearing up for the 2025-26 season, which includes a four-game Rivalry Series between Canada and the U.S. CBC Sports’ Karissa Donkin has released a compelling new book, “Breakaway: The PWHL and the Women Who Changed the Game,” delving into the league’s origins and its inaugural 2024 season through the perspectives of key figures like Marie-Philip Poulin, Kori Cheverie, and Liz Knox.
Reflecting on the PWHL’s growth, Donkin highlighted the shift in focus to on-ice action in the second season, with significant coverage on hockey developments rather than league building issues. She acknowledged challenges in the league’s inaugural season, such as venue logistics and team branding, emphasizing the importance of refining operations for future success.
Regarding expansion, the addition of teams in Vancouver and Seattle has generated strong fan interest. The influx of talented young players to these teams signals a competitive season ahead. Anticipating further expansion, the league’s executives aim to continue growing, potentially exploring cities like Edmonton and Denver for future teams.
As the PWHL era coincides with the upcoming Winter Olympics, Donkin emphasized the enduring intensity of the Canada-U.S. rivalry, despite players sharing PWHL teams. The league’s impact on international hockey is evident, with players leveraging PWHL performances for national team selections. The league’s goal of uniting top talent globally in one platform signifies a step towards narrowing the international hockey gap and fostering competitive parity.