The PWHL launches its third season with two new teams, major roster changes, and rising momentum as Vancouver and Seattle make their league debut.
PWHL Season 3 Opens With Expansion and Big Expectations
A New Chapter Begins
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) officially launches its third season on Friday, marking a major milestone for the fast-growing league. The opener features the reigning Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, hosting the Toronto Sceptres, while the league’s two newest teams—the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent—hit the ice later that evening in Vancouver.
Why Expansion Matters Now
This season marks the league’s first major expansion, growing from six to eight teams. The decision follows a strong second season and increasing demand for professional women’s hockey across North America. Vancouver and Seattle were chosen to anchor the West Coast footprint, a strategic move as the PWHL prepares for a potential U.S. broadcast rights deal.
League executives say up to four additional teams may be announced as early as next season, depending on market evaluations already underway.
Where the Action Starts
Opening weekend is packed, with games across three days. Vancouver hosts Seattle in both clubs’ debut matchup Friday night, followed by Ottawa welcoming the New York Sirens on Saturday. Montreal travels to Boston for a Sunday afternoon showdown. Canadian viewers can catch 17 nationally broadcast games this season on CBC and CBC Gem, beginning Nov. 29.
How New Teams Are Building Chemistry
Vancouver and Seattle enter the season with star-studded rosters built through expansion drafts and off-season signings. Vancouver’s core features goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer, defenders Sophie Jaques and Ashton Bell, and offensive leaders Sarah Nurse and Jennifer Gardiner. Seattle counters with an all-Team USA top line of Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight and Hannah Bilka, supported by one of the league’s toughest blue lines.
Both teams face the challenge of building chemistry quickly after a condensed two-week training camp, but early fan engagement has already surpassed expectations. Vancouver leads the league in season-ticket sales, while Seattle set a new one-day jersey sales record.
Future Markets on the Radar
The league is actively evaluating additional locations, using this season’s “Takeover Tour” as an opportunity to test fan response in 11 cities—including Edmonton, Halifax, Quebec City and Winnipeg. While executives remain tight-lipped about preferred markets, infrastructure and local arenas will play a critical role in determining expansion candidates.
Why Rosters Look Different Everywhere
Significant roster movement followed the expansion draft, with each original team losing four players to Vancouver or Seattle. New York and Montreal underwent the most dramatic transformations, adding young core talent and key veterans.
League leadership insists the changes were intentional to maintain competitive balance, even if fans had to say goodbye to familiar faces.
What an Olympic Season Means
For the first time, the PWHL season pauses for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, where many league stars will compete for national teams. League officials expect the Olympic spotlight to bring new viewers to the PWHL when play resumes. The break also gives players a chance to showcase themselves for national team selection, adding extra motivation early in the season.
How New Rules Will Shape Play
This year introduces several rule modifications, including the removal of coach’s challenges and a requirement that each team carry three goaltenders. Injured goaltenders will be replaced immediately from the active roster, ensuring uninterrupted play.
The league also appointed Hall of Fame official Bill McCreary to oversee officiating standards, aiming to maintain consistency as the league’s physical style evolves.
A Season Poised for Momentum
With expansion, heightened visibility, and renewed energy across all markets, the PWHL enters its third season with more stability—and more expectations—than ever before. As fans fill arenas from Vancouver to Boston, the league hopes this season will set a new benchmark for women’s professional hockey in North America
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