YOUr pwhl primer - everything you need to know
The PWHL is back for its third season with an extended schedule, new West Coast teams, and an Olympic stage on the horizon — setting the stage for the league’s most exciting year yet.
League-wide average attendance increased 27%from season one to season two, rising from 5,689 to 7,230 per game.
The PWHL expanded with two new teams joining the league this season — Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes.
League-wide average attendance increased 27%from season one to season two, rising from 5,689 to 7,230 per game.
The PWHL expanded with two new teams joining the league this season — Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes.
NEW TO THE PWHL? 📋
The PWHL follows standard hockey rules:
🏒 Two teams, each with six players on the ice
⏱️ A fast-paced three-period format
🥅 The ultimate goal of putting the puck in the net
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The league has also added unique rules to make the game exciting:
🚨 Jailbreak: short-handed teams can erase a penalty by scoring.
⛸️ No Escape: penalized teams must stay on ice until after the next faceoff.
🧠 Major penalties are assessed for illegal checks to the head, prioritizing player safety.
storylines to watch
New teams, new cities, new faces. We've got all the info you need, right here.
Season One and Two featured the PWHL’s “Original Six” teams spread across hockey-loving cities: the Boston Fleet, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Toronto Sceptres, and back-to-back champions Minnesota Frost.
This year, two new teams are joining the league: the Seattle Torrent, featuring four-time Olympic medalist Hilary Knight, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes, with Canadian duo Sarah Nurse at forward and Emerance Maschmeyer in goal.
Season One and Two featured the PWHL’s “Original Six” teams spread across hockey-loving cities: the Boston Fleet, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Toronto Sceptres, and back-to-back champions Minnesota Frost.
This year, two new teams are joining the league: the Seattle Torrent, featuring four-time Olympic medalist Hilary Knight, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes, with Canadian duo Sarah Nurse at forward and Emerance Maschmeyer in goal.
No. 1 draft pick Kristyna Kaltounkova of the Czech Republic national team will be making her highly-anticipated regular season debut with the New York Sirens against the Ottawa Charge.
This season brings added intrigue with 2026 Winter Olympic rosters still being decided, and players across the PWHL eager to make their case, especially ahead of December’s international break, a prime showcase before Holiday roster decisions.
No. 1 draft pick Kristyna Kaltounkova of the Czech Republic national team will be making her highly-anticipated regular season debut with the New York Sirens against the Ottawa Charge.
This season brings added intrigue with 2026 Winter Olympic rosters still being decided, and players across the PWHL eager to make their case, especially ahead of December’s international break, a prime showcase before Holiday roster decisions.
HOW TO WATCH 📺
This season will feature 120 games, with a break in December for the Canada-USA Rivalry Series and Women’s Euro Hockey Tour, and a hiatus in February for the Milan Olympics. Click here to see the full schedule.
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Games stream on CBC, CBC Gem, YouTube, and pwhl.com.
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If you don’t have a team in your city, the PWHL might be coming to you! The league is embarking on a Takeover Tour across these 11 cities this season:
Halifax, NS
Chicago, IL
Edmonton, AB
Dallas, TX
Hamilton, ON
Detroit, MI
Québec City, QC
Washington, D.C.
Denver, CO
Winnipeg, MB
Calgary, AB
