There are still three months to go before the puck drops on the PWHL season, but the rest of the women's hockey world is only days and weeks away from beginning their seasons. Here's a look at all of the leagues fans can watch while waiting on the PWHL.
While the PWHL regular season remains more than three months away, every other women's hockey league on the planet is hurdling toward their start. It's a welcomed arrival for women's hockey fans who can now get their fix of the sport watching the best outside the PWHL.
Here's a look at all the start date information from across the globe.
SDHL
Europe's top league opens on September 9 in Sweden. The regular season opener will feature Frölunda against Färjestad BK. New York Sirens draft pick Elisa Holopainen is expected to be in the lineup for Frölunda alongside European stars like Hanna Olsson and Sanni Rantala. If you miss opening day, as all games are broadcast for free on YouTube, there are games on September 10, 11, 12, and 13.
SWHL
The PostFinance Women's League has rapidly improved its level of play and is now considered the third best professional women's league in the world behind the PWHL and SDHL. Switzerland's top league will drop the puck September 12 with a match up between HC Fribourg-Gottéron and SC Bern.
DFEL
Germany's top league did an impressive job recruiting talent this offseason, not only from other European leagues, but also from North America. The league opens this season based primarily in Germany, but also with a team from Hungary and Slovakia each. Their schedule opens September 12 with two of the league's top teams, ECDC Memmingen Indians and Mad Dogs Mannheim meeting.
Auroraliiga
Finland's top league opens with four games on September 12. Last season league leader Emma Nuutinen made her mark being signed by the PWHL's Seattle Torrent this offseason, and the Auroraliiga is opening their new season with body checking permitted for the first time. The first game of the season will take place between TPS and the Pelicans.
NCAA
The NCAA season kicks off on September 18 with teams from the ECAC , NEWHA, and AHA in action as Mercyhurst faces RPI, and Lindenwood takes on Post. In the WCHA, Bemidji State and St. Cloud State will be the first on the ice September 19 at 1pm. Hockey East teams, like the rest of the NCAA, will begin the same week, but they won't play non-exhibition games until September 25 when five games are scheduled.
U SPORTS
U SPORTS teams will play exhibition games, including against NCAA teams in September, but regular season play is slightly later for the Canadian University loop. OUA play in Ontario gets underway October 7 with Carleton facing Nipissing. Canada West kicks off October 9 with four games on the schedule including the reigning champion University of British Columbia facing Manitoba. AUS in Atlantic Canada drops the puck October 14 with the UPEI Panthers playing host to the Mount Allison Mounties. Finally, RSEQ is the last to begin on October 16 with powerhouse programs Concordia and Bishop's University facing off.
