Vancouver gets its first professional women’s hockey team, bringing excitement and history to the Pacific Coliseum.
The countdown is on! Vancouver will soon be home to a professional women’s hockey team, as the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced a landmark expansion into the city. This is a historic moment, as Vancouver becomes the first city to host a PWHL team in the league’s third season.
But why is this such a big deal? Let’s break it down.
An Exciting First for Vancouver Fans
This long-awaited team will play at the Pacific Coliseum, a venue with a rich history in the city. For fans, the excitement is palpable. Vancouver is now officially part of the PWHL family, a major step for women’s sports in Canada. The new team will make the Pacific Coliseum its home base, becoming the primary tenant of the arena. This is significant, as no other PWHL team holds such a distinction.
And, as if that’s not enough, the PNE Agrodome will also host games. A great venue for sports enthusiasts, the Pacific Coliseum can hold up to 15,713 spectators, which is one of the largest in the PWHL.
A Thriving Hockey Culture and Community
The announcement was made with great enthusiasm, as it was accompanied by support from local organizations like the Vancouver Angels, a U11 girls’ hockey team. They were out in full force, excitedly holding up signs demanding a team and celebrating this fantastic news.
Amy Scheer, one of the PWHL executives, couldn’t be more thrilled. She emphasized the tremendous community support and Vancouver’s already strong hockey culture. “You’ve shown a remarkable commitment to growing the game of hockey,” Scheer noted. The number of registered girls in hockey has seen a significant increase, with BC Hockey reporting that boys’ and girls’ registrations are nearly 50/50.
Pioneering Women’s Hockey in Vancouver
Local hero and Olympic gold medalist Jayna Hefford spoke passionately about the roots of women’s hockey in Vancouver. She reminded the audience about how, over a century ago, women at the Denman Arena became enamored with the game’s speed, skill, and toughness. As Hefford humorously pointed out, “Fortunately, uniforms are not long skirts anymore!”
Now, thanks to the PWHL, Vancouver’s legacy in women’s hockey will only grow. Fans will witness not just a game, but a transformative movement for women in sports.
Ticket Sales and What’s Next?
Ticket sales are already generating buzz, and season ticket deposits have opened with options at $50 and $200. While the team’s official name, branding, and general manager are yet to be revealed, the anticipation continues to build. The home opener date is also still under wraps, but one thing is certain – the roar of the crowd at the Pacific Coliseum is going to be a moment to remember.
Spencer Chandra-Herbert, the provincial minister of tourism, arts, culture, and sport, expressed excitement over the upcoming games, predicting the energy in the Coliseum will be electrifying.
What’s Next for Vancouver Hockey Fans?
In conclusion, this is more than just a team; it’s a cultural shift. Vancouver’s new PWHL team will help amplify women’s sports and hockey, offering a platform for female athletes to shine and paving the way for future generations. It’s an exciting time to be a hockey fan in Vancouver, and the team’s debut will no doubt be an unforgettable experience for all.
Stay tuned for more updates as we await the team’s official unveiling and their first puck drop!
