PWHL Leverages Olympic Success as League Resumes Play
Recent Olympic events have significantly boosted interest in women’s hockey as the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) resumes play following a brief hiatus. With over 4 million Canadians tuning in to watch the U.S. clinch an overtime victory against Canada, the league sees an opportunity to maintain this newfound attention.
PWHL Capitalizes on Olympic Momentum
The PWHL is seizing the moment to engage fans, hoping to retain the increased visibility experienced during the Olympics. U.S. captain Hilary Knight emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement, stating, “Now we have a consistent place to play.” The league is keen to expand its fan base and enhance the marketing potential of women’s hockey.
League Resumes After Olympic Break
The PWHL paused for four weeks to accommodate the Olympic Games, where 61 league players represented eight countries. The high-stakes finale, which drew 4.22 million viewers on CBC, highlighted the sport’s rising popularity.
As play resumes, the league reported increased ticket sales and a 101% surge in merchandise sales during February compared to the season’s trends before the Olympics. Jayna Hefford, PWHL’s executive vice-president of hockey operations, noted the elevated performance standards observed during the Olympics, which could attract new fans to the league.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
- Boston Fleet vs. Minnesota Frost: The Boston Fleet leads by two points and has a game in hand.
- Aerin Frankel: Fleet’s goaltender returned after a stellar Olympic performance, allowing only two goals in six games.
- Megan Keller: Olympic hero and defender for the Fleet, scored the pivotal goal in the finals.
- Alina Müller: The Fleet’s assistant captain played a key role in Switzerland earning bronze.
Following the break, teams like the Seattle Torrent and Toronto Sceptres aim to regroup and push for playoff positions, with only the top four teams making it to the playoffs.
Resetting from Olympic Disappointment
Players from the Canadian squad, including Montreal Victoire’s Laura Stacey, confront the difficult transition back into league play. Despite a heartbreaking near-gold finish, the focus must shift quickly, as the Victoire faces a demanding schedule ahead.
Team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who sustained an injury during the Olympics, is on the day-to-day list, while defender Erin Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve.
Future Prospects and Draft Considerations
This season, half of the PWHL teams will not qualify for playoffs. However, even eliminated teams will have incentives to win matches. The league is expected to introduce a draft format that encourages competition until season’s end, with top-tier talent on the horizon.
One standout player is U.S. defender Caroline Harvey, named the Olympic MVP and best defender with nine points in seven games. Other notable prospects include Laila Edwards and Abbey Murphy, both of whom displayed remarkable skills during the Olympic tournament.
The PWHL continues to build excitement, with the next match featuring the Ottawa Charge against the Boston Fleet scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, broadcasted on CBC Sports. As the league pushes forward, it aims to keep the momentum from the Olympics thriving.
