As neutral site games roll out in Pittsburgh and Detroit, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is contemplating future expansion options. Boston’s Megan Keller expresses her optimism regarding growth prospects for the new six-team league.
“I think it’s inevitable,” stated Keller in a recent PWHL video conference. Her confidence mirrors the league’s strategy, exploring different markets before considering expansion, which might take place no earlier than the 2025-26 season. The “Takeover Weekend” is part of this exploration.
The PWHL currently plans more neutral-site games next season, following encounters between Toronto and Montreal in Pittsburgh, and Boston and Ottawa in Detroit. It’s an especially meaningful moment for Michigan natives Megan Keller, Taylor Girard, and Shiann Darkangelo.
Girard reminisced about past Red Wings games she attended with her father, while Darkangelo is excited to mentor the Little Caesars’ youth hockey program where she honed her own skills. All three athletes have expressed hopes that such events can influence the creation of varsity women’s hockey programs at Michigan and Michigan State universities.
Even though the league has faced restraint, with no immediate plans for varsity hockey programs at these universities, neutral site games have sparked significant public interest. The Michigan game tickets are selling well, and the Pittsburgh game is expected to reach a full house. These games carry significant weight for the league standings, which is entering the concluding part of its schedule.
Moreover, these neutral site games showcase the PWHL’s relationship with the NHL. Notably, a record-breaking attendance for a women’s hockey game was set at Toronto and Montreal’s match at the Maple Leafs’ venue, and there’s potential for a new record when Montreal hosts next month. These are signs of continuing NHL support, emphasized by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s acknowledgment of the synergy between the league and the PWHL.
The recent integration of professional women’s hockey under one banner by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, the PWHL’s main investor, has provided consistency and unity in the sport. The powerful backing came through the acquisition of the competing Premier Hockey Federation.
AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report. For more information on women’s hockey, visit https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey.
FAQs about the Professional Women’s Hockey League Neutral Site Games
- What is the significance of the PWHL’s neutral site games in Detroit and Pittsburgh?
- The neutral site games are a strategic move by the PWHL to explore potential markets for future league expansion and grow the fanbase for professional women’s hockey.
- What has been the public response to the PWHL’s neutral site games?
- Ticket sales for the games have been strong, indicating a positive response and growing interest in women’s professional hockey.
- How does the PWHL benefit from its relationship with the NHL?
- The PWHL has benefited from the NHL’s infrastructure, support, and recognition, which has helped enhance the visibility and credibility of women’s professional hockey.
- Is the University of Michigan planning to start a varsity women’s hockey program?
- As of now, there is no formal proposal for a varsity women’s hockey program at the University of Michigan, and there are several challenges, including infrastructure and cost issues, that need to be addressed.
Conclusion
The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s initiative to host neutral site games in cities like Detroit and Pittsburgh represents a forward-thinking approach to boost visibility, stimulate market growth, and lay the groundwork for potential expansion. This strategy reflects a broader aim of making women’s professional hockey more accessible and exciting for fans across the country. With an eye on future developments and an impressive backing from the NHL, the PWHL’s journey promises to be a riveting one for the sport and its supporters.