Boston has officially joined the ranks of the new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) as one of the six cities chosen for the launch of the league's inaugural season in January 2023. As MassLive reports, the city joins fellow U.S. teams in New York City's Tri-State area and Minneapolis-St. Paul, as well as Canadian teams in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.
With the formation of the PWHL, the Mark Walter Group has effectively dissolved the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF), purchasing its assets and absorbing its teams, including the three-time Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride. According to CBS News, the PWHL aims to create long-term stability by emphasizing large population centers and media markets, and also by consolidating the talent pool and generating financial backing from major investors.
Key players in the creation of the PWHL include Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, his wife Kimbra, retired tennis great Billie Jean King, and Dodgers President Stan Kasten. Acknowledging the importance of having the support of powerful figures in the sports industry, Kasten said, "Our great game has the power to captivate and connect sports fans everywhere, and we are thrilled to plant roots in six of North America's most passionate hockey markets."
A 10-day free agency period starting September 1 allows the new PWHL teams to begin building their rosters. Beyond that, a 15-round draft on September 18 is set to determine the majority of the league's founding players, as reported by CBS News. PWHL Senior VP of Hockey Operations, Jayna Hefford, has expressed the excitement and high demand for women's sports, stating that this league will push top women's players to reach even greater heights.
As an industry source disclosed to the Boston Globe, home ice for the Boston team has yet to be announced, though Boston University's Walter Brown Arena is being considered. Further details regarding team names, logos, home arenas, and schedules will be announced at a later date. For now, the city eagerly anticipates the arrival of its newest sports franchise.
As former Professional Women's Players' Association (PWHPA) leader Hefford told NBC Boston, "We've never seen more excitement and demand for women's sports." The unification of the PWHPA and the PHF under a single league promises to promote the growth and popularity of women's hockey.
As women's sports continue to gain momentum and support, it is crucial for PWHL organizers, investors, and fans to maintain their determination in ensuring the league's success. All eyes will be on Boston, and the five other founding cities, as they skate forward into this exciting new chapter of professional women's hockey.
