Welcome to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Bringing top-level women’s hockey to cities across North America. Founded in 2023, the PWHL is here to shake things up with world-class players, epic matches, and a growing fanbase excited about what’s next for women’s sports. With 6 teams, the PWHL lets talented players shine while giving fans more chances to experience fast, fearless, and fun hockey!

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How Did the PWHL Begin?

It all started in 2023 when the Mark Walter Group, a group passionate about sports equality, teamed up with some legendary names (we’re talking Billie Jean King, people!) to launch the PWHL. Their vision was clear: create a league where women hockey players don’t just participate—they thrive. This wasn’t about just starting a league. It was about building one that would last.

Unlike past women’s hockey leagues, which sometimes struggled to make ends meet, the PWHL secured funding, set up professional infrastructure, and created a union-supported collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This CBA covers everything from fair pay to benefits and even housing support, giving players the chance to focus on the game and worry less about their finances.

Meet the Teams: 6 Cities, 6 Reasons to Watch

With six teams based in North America’s hockey-loving cities, the PWHL offers plenty of exciting matchups. Here’s who you’ll be cheering for:

Toronto Sceptres

Ottawa Charge

Montreal Victoire

Boston Fleet

New York Sirens

Minnesota Frost

Each team has its unique vibe and loyal fans. Last season, Minnesota took the Walter Cup (that’s the league trophy, named after its backers). This year, each team will play 30 games, which means more hockey, more rivalries, and more chances to catch the action.

PWHL Game Rules: Points, Penalties, and Special Moves

Here’s a quick rundown of PWHL rules. The league mostly follows NHL standards with a twist: teams earn 3 points for a win that improves their overall standings. 2 points for an overtime or shootout win and 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss. This keeps the competition close and the games intense.

A unique rule is the “jailbreak” rule. If a team scores a short-handed goal (meaning they’re down a player because of a penalty), it cancels out that penalty! And in shootouts, any player can take multiple shots. The league likes keeping it exciting for the fans!

If you’re unaware of the NHL standard rules, here’s our guide that explains rules, gameplay and scoring.

Women ice hockey players playing a game in an ice rink — Credit: John McArthur

Life as a PWHL Player: Making Hockey a Career

Thanks to the CBA, each team must sign a minimum of 6 players at $80,000 or more. Other players make a league minimum of $35,000, and all salaries go up by 3% every year. Plus, there’s a team bonus for the champions, making that Walter Cup victory even sweeter.

And if players win big, they earn bonuses! The champion team gets an extra $63,250 to share. With the CBA covering essentials like housing and bonuses, the league lets players focus on training and competing.

The PWHL Fan Experience: More Than Just Hockey

Each game is an event, with tons of cheering, local traditions, and community pride. Cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal are already known for breaking attendance records, filling the arenas with the energy of fans who want to see women’s hockey thrive.

The league is super active on social media, giving fans behind-the-scenes looks, fun player highlights, and the latest news. Want to support your team? Follow them on social, join fan groups, and, most importantly, come to a game! Every fan who turns out is part of the PWHL journey, making it bigger and better every season.

a group of women playing a game of ice hockey — Credit: April Walker

Why the PWHL Matters

For years, women’s sports have faced challenges in getting the same resources and recognition as men’s. The PWHL is here to change that by proving that women’s hockey is worth investing in.

For young fans, the league provides heroes to look up to. Athletes who show that girls belong in sports at the highest level. And for hockey itself, the PWHL adds new fans and new perspectives, making the sport more inclusive. The PWHL is paving the way for other women’s leagues and showing the world that women’s hockey is here to stay.

Training Future PWHL Stars: Girls in Hockey

Do you know a young girl who dreams of joining the PWHL someday? Well, she’s in luck! Hockey programs are booming across North America, and many offer specialized training for girls. Local clubs and community centres are great places to start, where kids can master basics like skating and stickhandling.

As they get older, girls can join travel teams or elite girls’ leagues to face tougher competition. Canada’s U18 and U22 National Teams also give young talent a chance to shine, helping players hone their skills and gain visibility. Who knows? The next PWHL superstar might be lacing up her first pair of skates in a community rink today!

The Future of the PWHL

As the PWHL enters its second season, there’s a lot to look forward to. Fierce rivalries, heart-stopping shootouts, and more young girls inspired to pick up a stick. With a full lineup of games and exciting players taking the ice, the PWHL promises a season filled with surprises, drama, and unforgettable moments.

So, if you haven’t been to a PWHL game yet, now’s your chance. Bring a friend, cheer for your team, and be part of hockey history in the making. Because in the PWHL, every game is a reminder that women’s hockey is bold, fast, and here to stay.