In a strategic move to expand its presence, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to begin its neutral site series, appropriately titled ‘The Takeover Tour,’ in Seattle this Sunday. This initiative marks the start of a nine-game series that aims to bring women’s hockey to new audiences across North America.
Hilary Knight, a prominent forward for the U.S. national team and Boston Fleet, expressed her excitement about returning to Seattle, a location she fondly remembers for its vibrant hockey atmosphere. Knight previously played in the NHL Kraken’s arena as part of a U.S.-Canada Rivalry Series, noting the unique energy of the crowd. ‘Seattle holds a special place in my mind,’ Knight shared, highlighting her eagerness to recreate that experience alongside her teammates.
The PWHL’s tour not only seeks to engage fans in various cities but also to assess potential markets for future expansions. Currently considering adding up to two franchises, the league’s westernmost team is in Minnesota, raising the question of whether other western cities might soon host new teams. Hilary Knight emphasized the untapped potential in these markets, expressing her hope for further growth.
The selection of cities for this tour includes significant hockey hubs such as Raleigh, St. Louis, Vancouver, Denver, Detroit, Buffalo, Edmonton, and Quebec City. Among these, Detroit has already emerged as a potential contender for expansion, thanks to strong fan turnout at previous neutral-site games. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Nicole Hensley anticipates her return to Denver, citing it as a venue that holds personal significance.
Cammi Granato, a trailblazer in women’s hockey and an assistant GM with the NHL’s Canucks, praised this initiative as a significant step for the sport. Recalling her own experiences growing up with limited opportunities in professional hockey, Granato sees this as ‘a dream come true’ for the current generation of players.
Young talents like Montreal rookie Jennifer Gardiner also stand to benefit from this inclusive effort. Gardiner, who felt disconnected from the sport due to geographic limitations, is thrilled about the sold-out game in her hometown of Vancouver. This enthusiasm reflects a broader interest in women’s hockey and underlines the importance of expanding the league’s reach.
The Kraken have shown strong support for the PWHL, having previously lobbied to secure an inaugural franchise. The team’s dedication to promoting hockey among both boys and girls in the region is evident, with key figures like GM Ron Francis and assistant coach Jessica Campbell involved in the initiative. Their commitment symbolizes a broader push for female success in the sport, both on and off the ice.
The PWHL’s ‘Takeover Tour’ is a pivotal moment for women’s hockey, promising to expand the sport’s audience and plant seeds for future growth. As the league tests new markets and connects with fans across North America, it sets the stage for potentially transformative changes in professional women’s hockey.
Source: Local10
