As the PWHL season comes to a close, people will immediately begin looking forward to playoffs, the draft, and expansion. But the 2024-25 season left fans with many memorable moments from highlight reel goals like Abby Roque's "Michigan," to record setting attendance, and incredible individual performances. The league moved from 24 games to a 30 game schedule, giving more chances for fans to cheer on their favourite teams. 

But the 2024-25 season also had moments that connected with fans and players in a different way. Here's a look at some that warmed the hearts of fans and athletes.

League Surrounds Erica Howe

 When Erica Howe announced she was in a fight with breast cancer, it was not only her Toronto Sceptres teammates that showed support, the entire PWHL banded around Howe in solidarity. Women's hockey has developed a strong internal community while striving for a singular pro league, and that was evident in the across the board love and support fans, players, and league staff showed to how.

Campbell Addresses The Victoire In Seattle

"[M]y position everyday in the National Hockey League is completely aligned with the movement of what you guys are doing. I feel like it's my goal every day to continue to grow opportunities for women in hockey..."

Those were Campbell's words in addressing the Montreal Victoire prior to their PWHL Takeover Tour in Seattle. The league would eventually announce expansion to Seattle as well. Seeing Campbell's ascension into the top echelon of coaching alongside the growth of the league has allowed women and girls to dream of careers on the ice, and off the ice in the sport as well. Watching them come together in Seattle was a memorable moment.

PWHL Fantasy Camp Brings Dreams To Life

When the PWHL hosted their first ever PWHL Fantasy camp in Toronto, it brought dreams to life for women of all ages who participated in the immersive camp. The participants spent time on the ice playing games, took in a PWHL game, and met their heroes. It was an important moment and message for all involved that the PWHL is not just for future generations, but it's a recognition of all the women who had their dreams deferred or never saw a path for them to play the game they love professionally. 

Happy Birthday To Hannah Miller, From Hannah Millers

When Hannah Miller walked into the Toronto Sceptres' locker room on her birthday, there were 20 other Hannah Millers waiting for her. Miller's teammates showed up to the rink all wearing matching blonde wigs, and dressed as photos of Miller. The forward has become one of the new faces of women's hockey developing her star power in the PWHL, and the respect, and fun shown by her team shows that players in this league are willing to embrace their personalities, and have a little fun.

Healthy Spooner Comes Back

In a happy on ice story, Natalie Spooner worked her way back from the abyss. Spooner was knocked out of Toronto's opening round series against Minnesota last year and required surgery to repair a torn ACL this offseason. Watching Spooner work through her recovery from crutches, to workouts, to skating, team practices, and finally appearing back in the lineup with Toronto, was another testament to one of the most beloved athletes and people in the PWHL. Whether fans cheer for Toronto or not, there was unity surrounding the well wish for Spooner, and the excitement for her return.

Dempsey Returns To Boston

When it comes to a single hockey player associated with a single market in the PWHL, few top Jillian Dempsey and Boston. Dempsey was drafted last season by Montreal playing outside of Boston for the first time in her career. It sparked fans to petition for her return, and even saw Massachusetts and Boston politicians reaching out to Boston general manager Danielle Marmer to encourage her to bring back Dempsey. While it didn't happen during the PWHL's first season, Dempsey returned to Boston as a reserve free agent this season, and made her debut with the Fleet. Whether it's on or off the ice, her importance to Boston is significant. 

Jincy Roese Sings O'Canada

Ahead of the Ottawa Charge's home game, which the team celebrated Pride, assistant captain Jincy Roese stepped to centre ice where the goal wasn't to win a face-off, but rather to hit the right notes singing O'Canada. The interesting part is that Roese is American, and she not only sang O'Canada, but she chose a bilingual version signing the anthem in a mix of French and English. At a time when American politicians have threatened the economy and sovereignty of Canada, the implications of an American athlete stepping to the microphone to sing the Canadian anthem was not overlooked. Anthems have been booed at sporting games as fans protest ongoing trade wars, but this anthem was met with rousing support.

Sidney Mildon Makes The Call In Vancouver

When 9-year-old Sidney Mildon stepped to the podium in Vancouver, there was a backdrop of mountains behind her, teammates holding signs to either side, and an expectant crowd of media, politicians, and league officials waiting. Mildon, a member of the Vancouver Angels girls hockey team spoke words that Vancouver and PWHL fans have been waiting to hear, "we got a team." Her announcement that the PWHL was officially expanding, with their first new franchise heading to Vancouver showed how important this league is to many.

Carly Jackson Gets The Start

CJ Jackson is one of the most beloved players in the PWHL. It's a unique statement to say considering until the last week of the league's second season, Jackson had not played a game. But Jackson is one of the league's most recognizable individuals for their off ice involvement, fashion, and advocacy for inclusion and kindness in hockey. Fans have begged for Jackson to get a shot in the Toronto Sceptres crease, and when Jackson got their first start, it turned into one of the league's most memorable moments to date as Jackson played spectacular hockey backstopping Toronto to a 2-1 shootout win. Following the game, Erica Howe, who was a goaltender in Toronto last season, handed Jackson the game puck.