Title: Kickoff of the PWHL Takeover Tour is a Success, Breaks Attendance Record in Denver
Embracing the bigger, better approach, the PWHL has seamlessly upgraded its neutral-site schedule for the second season, akin to its business ethos. Kicking off with a bang, the nine-city PWHL Takeover Tour has the potential to score a spectacular home run, just like many aspects of the league's operations.
"We learned a lot," shared Jayna Hefford, the PWHL's senior vice-president of hockey operations, discussing the trials and triumphs of the inaugural season. "We discovered our fanbases, mastered efficient operations, and navigated the ins and outs of running a league. Our team has grown smarter and more capable thanks to this experience—and we're still learning."
The tour's first leg began on January 5 in Seattle, with rookie Hannah Bilka's game-winning shot propelling the Boston Fleet to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Montreal Victoire, in front of a staggering 12,608 fans at Climate Pledge Arena.
Three nights later in Vancouver, 19,038 fans at Rogers Arena were magnetized by Marie-Philip Poulin's dynamic two-goal performance. The Victoire's captain, a household name from her achievements at the same venue during the 2010 Winter Olympics, led her team to a 4-2 victory against the Toronto Sceptres. This historic sellout was a testament to the PWHL's impressive growth and a new record for the league's largest neutral-site gate, largest mid-week game, and outperforming every Canucks' home game so far this season.
Finally, the Minnesota Frost reclaimed first place in the league standings, thanks to Sophie Jaques' auspicious return from injury and a sensational 3-point performance at Ball Arena in Denver. 14,018 fans turned out for this game, setting a new attendance record for a professional women's hockey game in the United States.
In a fast-paced sporting landscape, the PWHL is surging ahead at an unparalleled pace. Crowd-pleasers like the WNBA and NWSL have experienced exponential growth, and the PWHL is following suit.
Bringing in 45,000 spectators over eight days—most of whom were new to the league—is a phenomenal brand-building opportunity. Attendances will impact average figures for 2025, contribute to merchandise sales, and catch the eye of valuable sponsors with logos adorning arena walls.
The PWHL's first neutral-site games attracted 13,376 fans in Detroit and 8,850 in Pittsburgh, while Toronto and Montreal moved their teams to larger arenas for the second season. The league's current attendance record of 21,105 was set at the Bell Centre in Montreal, significantly surpassing the 19,285 that attended the scintillating encounter earlier in the Scotiabank Arena.
The tour's showcase games have been met with rapturous approval—the caliber of presentation, the electrifying on-ice action, and the palpable excitement of youth teams seeing their idols have all set the bar high.
In a tight-knit league, rivalries run deep, and the PWHL's sixth-team dynamic means no quarter will be given when the puck drops. The magic in the arena inspires even the youngest and oldest fans—cheers, chants, and hearty singalongs have become a vital part of the experience.
As the tone of any established business evolves, so too has the PWHL. However, challenges persist. The New York and Boston franchises struggle for support, with attendance figures lagging at 3,258 for the New York Sirens and 2,844 for the Boston Fleet.
As the tour continues to the next stage in Quebec City, expect more heart-stopping moments and incredible showdowns. The PWHL Takeover Tour won't disappoint, and the future looks brighter than ever.
[1] Bubala, N. (2025, January 11). The PWHLA's rise and the future of professional women's hockey. ESPN.[2] CBC Sports. (2025, January 5). PWHL Takeover Tour kicks off with thrilling comeback in Seattle.[3] The Athletic. (2025, January 9). Montréal Victoire upsets Toronto Sceptres in historic sellout in Vancouver.[4] Hockey Canada. (2025, January 15). PWHL Takeover Tour adds sizzle to professional women's hockey, attracting record crowds.
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL's senior vice-president, shared insights from the inaugural season, highlighting the growth of the league in fanbases, operations, and capabilities. In Seattle, the Boston Fleet secured a thrilling victory over Montreal Victoire, setting a new attendance record for a professional women's hockey game in the United States. Marie-Philip Poulin, leading the Victoire, delivered a dynamic performance at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, attracting a record-breaking crowd of 19,038 fans. The Minnesota Frost reclaimed first place with Sophie Jaques' return and a sensational performance in Denver, drawing a crowd of 14,018 fans.