Hockey fans in Detroit have something to cheer about that's not the Red Wings – the up-and-coming Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is setting up shop at Little Caesars Arena for a game that's poised to ice the cake on Women's History Month. On March 16, the Boston and Ottawa franchises will lace up and face off at 6 p.m., in a bout that's more than just a game; it's a spotlight on women in a sport they've too long been sidelined from. "We're honored for the opportunity to put on a great event for our fans and support growing the game of hockey for young women," said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, according to The Detroit News.
The game is one slice of the "PWHL Takeover Weekend", featuring two more games: New York against Minnesota on March 16 and Toronto versus Montreal on March 17 in NHL arenas no less, found an announcement obtained by the Detroit Free Press. The league is in its first season and has seen early success showing off top-shelf talent, the PWHL is not just skating by its scoring goals with fans and critics alike.
Boston's roster boasts some hometown heroes, including Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion Megan Keller, alongside Shiann Darkangelo and Taylor Girard, giving Motor City fans even more reason to pack the arena. As the league aims to provide a home for the world's best women's hockey players, tickets are sure to be a hot item when they go on sale on Feb. 13, per information from WXYZ. With "We are here to show what is possible. We are here to spark new dreams. We are here for all of us." emblazoned as part of their mission, the vibe is clear: this league means business.
And it's not just about the here and now, "Bringing these games to three outstanding venues during Women’s History Month will create an unforgettable highlight of this inaugural PWHL season," Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, told WXYZ. This is also about building a lasting legacy, a rink where dreams play out, and yes where barriers are checked hard against the boards. With players who faced off in the 2019 Rivalry Series returning, it's a redux that's upping the ante in the name of women’s hockey everywhere a sentiment echoed by the leaders representing the ice where legends are forged.
