The PWHL returns to action tomorrow, and there are many games that will have important implications both on and off the ice. Here's a look at three games to circle on your calendar.
The PWHL returns to action tomorrow, and there are many games that will have important implications both on and off the ice. Here's a look at three games to circle on your calendar.
The PWHL is set to return for their longest uninterrupted stretch of the season as the league will now play straight through to the 2025 World Championships. There are a lot of meaningful games on the schedule, not only for the playoff race, but for many other reasons.
Here's a look at three PWHL games you'll want to circle on your calendar as the league returns.
February 11 - Minnesota Frost @ Toronto Sceptres
If not this game, then circle February 14 when Toronto hosts the Boston Fleet. The main reason fans will be watching these games is the potential return of Natalie Spooner. She's been practicing with the team and travelled on Toronto's last road trip. Her return is all about doing it at the right time for her longterm health, and Toronto is fully supportive of that. Nobody is rushing Spooner, but we are certainly getting closer to the league's MVP from last season returning. It will also mean Toronto will need to make another roster move. This game is also important for Toronto as they ended prior to the break looking better than they had all season. It will be a point to watch if they can pick up where they left off, or if their struggles return.
February 13 - Minnesota Frost @ Ottawa Charge
This game might not mean a lot in the grand scheme of the league's on-ice product, aside from the Ottawa Charge desperately needing to string together some wins, but socially and culturally for the league, this is an important night. Ottawa fans have coordinated their own unofficial Pride night and plan to distribute signs, and show support for the LGBTQ+ community. It's two-fold given recent American legislation attacking the LGBTQ+ community, combined with fans recognizing Minnesota's first visit to Canada's capital. Ottawa fans plan to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, in particular transgender fans, with Minnesota in town after draft pick Britta Curl was exposed for anti-trans online behavior. In tems of the Charge's playoff hopes, this game marks the first of a five game home stand and eight home games of their next ten. It's a welcomed stretch after Ottawa played 10 of their first 15 games on the road.
March 29 - Ottawa Charge @ Boston Fleet
It's the final PWHL Takeover Tour game of the year. While stops in Edmonton and Detroit that remains will draw larger crowds, the reason to circle this game on the calendar is as much for the teams not playing, as for the teams playing. Or rather, as much for the teams not yet in the league as the teams in the league.
Should the PWHL intent to expand next season, they'll need to make that announcement before the Draft Declaration period ends, in time to hire staff to prepare for the PWHL Draft and any expansion draft, and to begin the many steps of ticket sales and securing venues and facilities. It makes a lot of sense that the league would do this announcement at the end of the PWHL Takeover Tour. They probably don't want to risk doing it before as cities on the Takeover Tour know that ticket sales will factor in. If the league doesn't have their expansion market(s) decided by the time the PWHL Takeover Tour ends, they should likely hold off on expansion as the risk to make a mess of it will exponentially increase the longer they wait.