The PWHL launches its third season with two expansion teams, rising talent and Olympic-year stakes as Vancouver and Seattle join the race for the Walter Cup.
PWHL Opens Expanded Third Season Amid Rising Expectations
A league-wide reset as the season begins
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) opened its third season on Friday, marking the start of its long-anticipated eight-team era. With Vancouver and Seattle debuting after an aggressive expansion draft, the league enters a pivotal year shaped by roster upheaval, Olympic interruptions, and heightened competitive parity.
New teams debut on the West Coast
In Vancouver and Seattle, fans witnessed history as both expansion clubs took the ice for the first time. Built from scratch through generous expansion rules, the Goldeneyes and Torrent assembled veteran anchors and emerging stars to quickly become Walter Cup contenders. Their inaugural matchup in Vancouver set the stage for the league’s newest regional rivalry.
A schedule shaped by Olympic commitments
This season’s 30-game calendar includes an extended mid-season break to accommodate Olympic participation, placing added pressure on teams to build early momentum. Opening night featured Toronto visiting reigning champion Minnesota, while the Goldeneyes hosted the Torrent in their franchise debut. CBC and CBC Gem will broadcast 17 games, including weekly Saturday matchups beginning Nov. 29.
Team-by-Team Outlook for the New Season
Montreal enters as the team to beat
Montreal Victoire weathered expansion better than any other club, retaining its core while adding depth across all positions. Strategic signings and draft picks bolstered an already dominant lineup centred around Marie-Philip Poulin. With a strengthened blue line and reinforced centre depth, Montreal begins the season as the consensus favourite—though Ann-Renée Desbiens’ heavy workload remains a concern.
Vancouver’s fast build raises early expectations
Vancouver’s front office assembled one of the league’s deepest defensive groups, led by Emerance Maschmeyer in net and supported by high-end additions such as Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson. A versatile forward mix, including Sarah Nurse and Michela Cava, gives the Goldeneyes scoring options across all lines. Their challenge will be chemistry—something existing teams have had two seasons to develop.
Seattle relies on youthful firepower
Seattle took a different approach, selecting a young, dynamic core supported by veteran leaders like Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter. With fast, physical play as their identity, the Torrent expect strong goaltending from Corinne Schroeder behind a bolstered defence. Their ceiling is high, but sustained consistency will determine how quickly they ascend.
Rising Stakes Across the Original Six
Toronto faces a rebuild after heavy losses
Toronto endured significant departures through expansion and free agency, losing top scorers and key playmakers. Yet the Sceptres retain star power in Daryl Watts and a fully healthy Natalie Spooner, while new defensive anchor Ella Shelton adds stability. Goaltending duties shift to Elaine Chuli, who steps into a starting role for the first time.
Minnesota aims for a Walter Cup three-peat
Despite losing core defenders to expansion, the two-time champions remain formidable. Led by Taylor Heise and supported by elite goaltending from Maddie Rooney and Nicole Hensley, Minnesota’s depth and playoff pedigree keep them firmly in contention. New additions like Abby Hustler could offset scoring losses if they transition quickly.
Boston seeks scoring answers
Boston improved its defence by adding top draft pick Haley Winn, expected to complement captain Megan Keller. With Aerin Frankel in net, the Fleet can compete nightly, but replacing Hilary Knight’s scoring remains the team’s biggest challenge. Health and timely contributions from new arrivals will dictate their trajectory.
New York embraces a fresh identity
After an off-season overhaul, the Sirens now revolve around star forward Sarah Fillier and two high-impact draft picks, Kristýna Kaltounková and Casey O’Brien. Their retooled attack promises speed and creativity, but the blue line remains a question mark after losing key defenders and their starting goaltender.
Ottawa adjusts after a major turnover
Last season’s runner-up faces an uphill climb after losing top scorers and key defenders. While goaltender Gwyneth Philips returns as a proven starter, Ottawa’s offensive uncertainty looms large. Additions including Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova offer potential upside, but the team’s identity may once again lean heavily on defence and goaltending.
A Season Defined by Growth, Pressure, and Opportunity
With two new markets, revamped rosters, and Olympic-year disruptions, the PWHL’s third season represents both a test and a showcase for the fastest-growing women’s hockey league in the world. From Montreal’s pursuit of dominance to the Pacific Northwest’s inaugural chapter, every team enters the season with something to prove—and a clearer path than ever to the Walter Cup.
