The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to Vancouver, marking the league’s seventh franchise and its first foray into western Canada. The announcement was made Wednesday morning in downtown Vancouver, with young local hockey players helping unveil the news. The new team will begin play in the 2025-26 season at the historic Pacific Coliseum, which will undergo extensive upgrades to serve as the team’s home and training base.
Vancouver was selected after an eight-month evaluation process that considered over 20 cities. The city’s strong youth hockey participation, proven fan interest, and infrastructure made it a standout candidate. A sold-out Takeover Tour game in January drew more than 19,000 fans, reinforcing Vancouver’s enthusiasm for women’s hockey.
The new franchise, temporarily known as PWHL Vancouver, will feature team colors Pacific blue and cream. Renovations at the Pacific Coliseum and adjacent Agridome will ensure state-of-the-art facilities. Vancouver becomes the first PWHL team with its own dedicated venue.
The expansion is part of a broader league growth plan, with a potential eighth franchise also under consideration. Cities like Seattle, which also showed strong support during the Takeover Tour, are top contenders. An expansion draft will precede the June 24 entry draft, and parity remains a top priority as new teams take shape.
Vancouver’s rich hockey history, including the legacy of the Vancouver Amazons and Griffins, sets the stage for a new era of elite women’s hockey in B.C. With standout local talent like Chloe Primerano rising through the ranks, the future looks bright for PWHL in Vancouver.
Source: Swifteradio.com
