The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is making waves in 2025, with fresh developments showcasing its growth and impact. Just days ago, on May 23, 2025, PWHL Vancouver announced Cara Gardner Morey as their new General Manager, a move signaling strong leadership for the league’s newest franchise. Meanwhile, PWHL Seattle welcomed Meghan Turner as their GM on May 21, setting the stage for roster-building as both teams prepare for the 2025-26 season. With the league expanding to eight teams, a thrilling playoff race, and an upcoming draft, the PWHL is cementing its place as a powerhouse in women’s sports.
PWHL Expansion: Seattle and Vancouver Take the Ice
The PWHL’s expansion to Seattle and Vancouver marks a bold step forward. Announced in late April 2025, these additions bring the league to eight teams, extending its reach to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s team, set to play at Climate Pledge Arena, follows a successful January exhibition game that drew 12,608 fans, proving the city’s hunger for women’s hockey. Vancouver will call Pacific Coliseum home, a venue with a rich hockey history. Both teams are gearing up for an expansion draft on June 9, followed by the entry draft on June 24. Each existing team will lose four players, ensuring competitive balance. This expansion reflects the PWHL’s commitment to growing the game, with both cities poised to ignite new rivalries and fanbases.
- Key Dates for Expansion:
- June 4-8, 2025: Exclusive free agency signing period for Seattle and Vancouver.
- June 9, 2025: Expansion draft, with each team selecting up to four players from existing rosters.
- June 24, 2025: PWHL Entry Draft in Ottawa.
Playoff Fever: Ottawa Charges to the Finals
The PWHL playoffs are delivering heart-pounding action. On May 16, 2025, the Ottawa Charge clinched their spot in the Walter Cup Finals, becoming the first Canadian team in PWHL history to reach this stage. Their dramatic series against Montreal captivated fans, with a historic quadruple-overtime game on May 11 setting a new benchmark for intensity. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Frost tied the finals 1-1 with a thrilling overtime win on May 22, scoring with under a minute left in regulation. The battle for the Walter Cup, the PWHL’s championship trophy, is showcasing the league’s elite talent and competitive spirit, drawing record crowds and boosting visibility.
Draft Prospects: New Talent on the Horizon
The PWHL’s third draft, scheduled for June 24, 2025, in Ottawa, promises to inject fresh energy into the league. Standout prospects like Ella Huber from the University of Minnesota are generating buzz. Huber, a swift-skating forward, told The Hockey News she’s thrilled at the prospect of joining the PWHL, inspired by its rapid rise. Other notable names include Callie Shanahan, a goaltender from Boston University with an impressive .918 save percentage, and Julia Shaunessey, a towering defender known for her 107 career blocks. These players, alongside others from Boston-area schools, highlight the depth of talent ready to elevate the PWHL’s rosters.
Fan Engagement and Milestones
The PWHL’s fanbase is growing at a remarkable pace. On March 16, 2025, the league welcomed its one-millionth fan during a game in Detroit, where 14,288 attendees set a U.S. attendance record for women’s professional hockey. Cities like Detroit and Denver, with 14,018 fans at a January game, are clamoring for their own teams, signaling strong demand for expansion. The PWHL’s Takeover Tour, featuring neutral-site games, has been a hit, with Raleigh hosting a matchup in March and Vancouver drawing 19,000 fans in January. Partnerships, like the Lululemon apparel collection launched in April, are further boosting the league’s visibility, offering fans stylish ways to support their teams.
What’s Next for the PWHL?
As the PWHL heads into its third season, the focus is on sustaining momentum. The expansion draft will reshape rosters, with teams like Montreal potentially losing stars like Jennifer Gardiner or Erin Ambrose due to limited protection slots. General Managers in Seattle and Vancouver face the challenge of building competitive teams from scratch, while existing franchises adapt to the loss of key players. The league’s commitment to professional standards, as emphasized by Players Association executive director Malaika Underwood, ensures players benefit from top-tier facilities and support. With viewership soaring and youth hockey programs expanding, the PWHL is inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
The league’s success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stories. From young girls in Vancouver waving signs at the expansion announcement to Abby Boreen mentoring kids in Minnesota, the PWHL is building a legacy. As the finals unfold and new teams take shape, the league’s future looks brighter than ever.
Join the PWHL Movement
Don’t miss out on the action! Grab tickets to a PWHL playoff game, shop the Lululemon x PWHL collection, or follow your favorite team’s journey to the Walter Cup. Stay updated on draft news and expansion updates by visiting the PWHL’s official website. Be part of the revolution in women’s hockey!