Whether it's logistics, marketing, fan building, or broadcasting, there are few downfalls to a centralized preseason, which could become a major win for the PWHL this year, and in the future.
The PWHL is hosting a centralized preseason in Utica, New York in December. The event will bring all six PWHL teams into one venue to practice, play exhibition games, and finalize their rosters.
Coupled with a "Fan Fest" event in Utica, this preseason camp, which was likely born out of necessity, could become a major win for the PWHL in the future. As the league builds, they'll want to play more and more games at home rinks in their markets. But a centralized preseason in out of market locations could help build fan bases.
The preseason event could travel to hotbeds like Madison, Wisconsin or Columbus, Ohio, or perhaps Detroit, Michigan or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Those locations would draw large crowds interested in the game and sport, and offer immense opportunities for collaboration with girls hockey programs or colleges to build out the event.
In those locations, the PWHL could invite NCAA or USports teams to come and play games during the week, allowing teams to scout those players, and prospective players to witness the growth of the professional game first hand. The opportunity to have Ohio State and Wisconsin, or Colgate and Clarkson play during such an event would benefit all involved, and bring in more fans and interest to any future preseason event. The opportunities for collaboration with minor hockey and college programs in cities from Pittsburgh to Calgary, would be simple to see, and have the opportunity to make a huge impact for marketing and fans.
If the NHL wanted to work with the PWHL, even more collaborative opportunities exist. The camp could be combined with, or run before or after NHL preseason events like Buffalo's Prospects Challenge at the LECOM Harborcenter. In this way, the PWHL could also begin reconnecting with women's hockey fans in a market they lost when the PHF was acquired. NHL prospect tournaments were played in Traverse City, Michigan, Penticton, British Columbia, St. Paul, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Fort Myers, Florida, and Buffalo this September. If fans are already travelling to those markets, it could provide exposure to the event and league, and make the opportunity for broadcasting easier.
Fans undoubtedly want to get a glimpse of their team before the season begins. Right now, camps are closed to the public, but hosting scheduled intrasquad games where fans can attend during training camp would alleviate that urge, or allowing fans to observe practices.
The benefits to a centralized camp, not only in reducing costs, but allowing for scouting, general manager and player meetings on league items, and to showcase the immense talent in the PWHL to other markets could become a boon for the league.
There could be downfalls. This year in Utica, it's likely a smaller than desired crowd will attend, and less media will be present, but the benefits outweigh the costs, specifically if the league places these camps strategically in larger markets with vibrant women's hockey programs. Utica does have the Utica University Pioneers, who are one of the top NCAA Division III programs in America, along with the Utica Jr. Comets program, but there are larger markets that could be tapped into in the future. In particular, if the league looks at next preseason, those connections could be forged with NHL, NCAA, or USports clubs now to set the stage.
Whether it's logistics, marketing, fan building, or broadcasting, there are few downfalls to a centralized preseason, which could become a major win for the PWHL this year, and in the future.