PWHL Expands In Vancouver

Given the recent success for the PWHL at the game played in January anyone you spoke with either at  or after the nine city “Takeaway Tour” in January you knew it was a matter of time that an expansion team would be coming to Vanccouver.

From my perspective it’s ironic that the expansion team is officially announced on my Daughter Annette’s Birthday who began playing minor hockey in North Delta when there wasn’t any girls hockey. 

I can remember the surprise her playing was met with the executive as well as some parents who were looking at the game as a “boy’s only game” but has that changed!

The timing is impeccable considering that Sportswave recently broadcast the South Coast Women’s Hockey Championship games played in Chilliwack which you can watch on Youtube.

Given the success of Women’s hockey in the area the timing is impeccable for an expansion team to be playing out Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum on Renfrew Street at the home of the PNE.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced that it will expand to Vancouver, British Columbia, with the newest team set to begin play with the 2025-26 season with the practice facility at the Agrodome. 

We are hearing that the Coliseum and Agrodome will undergo comprehensive upgrades to locker rooms and training facilities in addition to receiving upgrades of both technology and broadcast capabilities.

 The team’s primary colour will be Pacific Blue with the secondary colour being Cream.

And run or  operate as PWHL Vancouver but only until the permanent brand identity is announced – which should be a contest for young school girls from grades one to six.  

 Currently the PWHL has six cities they play in which are Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto and now they will be making a “road trip” to Vancouver. 

The Walter Group will be the sole ownership and as you can imagine more will be announced at the upcoming Expansion Draft, but just how Vancouver will be integrated into the 2025 PWHL Draft (June 24) will be announced in the coming weeks – so stay tuned!!  

 The decision to expand to Vancouver follows an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process and reflects the league’s long-term vision for strategic growth. 

Vancouver’s bid was fronted by the PNE and given the growth of Women’s hockey in the area it’s a prime fit considering the recent game attracted a tour-high sold-out crowd of 19,038 at Rogers Arena January 8, 2025. 

To no surprise the PWHL will host camps, clinics as well as other events to grow the game while promoting Vancouver’s newest franchise.

The 2025–26 PWHL season officially  kicks off this fall with the full schedule released late this summer. 

Fans can place a time-stamped deposit here to secure priority access to season tickets for Vancouver’s historic inaugural season, once ticket packages are released. 

.QUOTES TO THE MEDIA 

 Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations told the media “This is historic day for our league, our fans, our athletes, and our sport>” 

She continued “Vancouver is a vibrant city with a deep love for the game—as we saw firsthand during the PWHL Takeover Tour earlier this season. 

Expanding to Vancouver reflects the growing momentum behind the league and the incredible passion of our fan base since launching in January 2024. 

We’re proud to bring the PWHL to the West Coast and provide more fans with the opportunity to experience live the best women’s hockey players in the world.” 

PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford mentioned “This is a significant milestone for the PWHL and for the growth of women’s hockey.” 

She continued “Expansion creates new opportunities for more elite athletes to continue their professional careers at the highest level.”

She continues It’s fitting that this next chapter features Vancouver—a city with a rich history in women’s hockey. With what’s expected to be another deep draft class this June, we’re excited to build a competitive, community-connected team that reflects the PWHL style our fans have come to embrace.” 

Shelly Frost PNE President and CEO mentioned “This is a great day for women’s sport in Vancouver, and a great day for professional hockey at the PNE.”. 

She continued “We are honoured to have worked with the PWHL to be chosen host venue for this expansion franchise, and we are thrilled to support driving professional women’s sport in this city and at the Pacific Coliseum, a beloved venue continuing to deliver memorable player and guest experiences.” 

BC’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra told the media “The expansion of the PWHL to Vancouver is fantastic news for hockey fans and a great score for women in sport.” 

Spencer continued “B.C. is well known for being a welcoming and inclusive place for sports, and for being home to the best sports fans, who passionately celebrate and cheer on great athletes. We look forward to welcoming this new elite hockey team to their home at the PNE. I can’t wait to watch the puck drop and see the PWHL inspire young athletes all across our province.” 

And last but not least Vancouver  Mayor Ken Sim mentioned “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Vancouver and for the future of professional women’s sports in our city.”

He continued “We’re proud to welcome the PWHL to the Pacific Coliseum and thrilled that Vancouver fans will get to cheer on some of the best female athletes in the world. The passion for women’s hockey is growing, and today’s announcement shows that Vancouver is ready to lead that charge on the West Coast.” 

Given all the recent negative news of late this has to be welcomed by not only the hockey community but businesses in the area.

Welcome to Vancouver and Sportswave wishes you success with the newest franchise.