Overview of the Takeover Tour

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has introduced its inaugural acquisition tour, transforming the landscape of women’s hockey by bringing regular season matchups to nine cities across North America from January to March. This innovative initiative drew in a remarkable total of 123,601 spectators, significantly expanding the league’s audience and fostering greater diversity.

Fan Engagement and Attendance Figures

Notably, the takeover tour was not merely a showcase of talent; it aimed to connect with new demographics and cultivate lasting relationships with fans. An impressive 80% of attendees were engaging with PWHL games for the first time, while 78% visited the venue as first-time guests.

Here are the details on game dates, results, locations, and attendance:

• January 5, Seattle, Climate Pledge Arena: Boston Fleet 3, Montreal Victor 2 (SO) – 12,608 attendees
• January 8, Montreal, Rogers Arena: Montreal Victor 4, Toronto Sceptres 2 – 19,038 attendees
• January 12, Denver, Ball Arena: Minnesota 4, Mansota 4, Victoria 2 – 14,018 attendees
• February 16, Edmonton, Rogers Place: Toronto Sceptres 3, Ottawa Charge 2 (OT) – 17,518 attendees
• February 23, Buffalo, KeyBank Center: Boston Fleet 3, New York Siren 2, Minnesota Frost 5, Ottawa Charge 0 – 10,782 attendees
• March 16, Detroit, Little Caesars Arena: New York Siren 4, Minnesota Frost 1 – 14,288 attendees
• March 29, St. Louis, Enterprise Center: Ottawa Charge 2, Boston Frost 1 – 8,578 attendees

This year, attendance records were shattered in both Detroit and Denver, with 14,288 and 14,018 fans respectively marking historical moments in U.S. professional women’s hockey.

Exciting On-Ice Action

The competition on the ice matched the enthusiasm in the stands. A total of 27 points were scored across the nine games, including six decisive wins, two shootouts, and one overtime finish. In total, 41 goals were scored by 30 unique players, with tight matchups resulting in five games being decided by a single goal—a testament to the league’s competitive spirit.

Community Engagement and Outreach

The tour also featured comprehensive community engagement efforts, including hockey clinics that welcomed 945 young girls to learn the sport and interact with players. Opportunity for fan interaction continued postgame, leading to over 1,400 fans participating in events that fostered further excitement and support for the league.

Moreover, merchandise sales indicated growing interest, with more than 16,000 pieces of PWHL apparel and gear sold throughout the tour. Social media engagement surged, with a 30% increase in followers driven by captivating moments and behind-the-scenes content shared from the events.

“It was more than hockey. It was about making moments and memories,” remarked Amy Scheer, VP of Business Operations. “I saw my first-time fans become lifelong supporters, and that’s what makes this league move forward.”

The PWHL: An Emerging Powerhouse

The PWHL stands as a leading entity in professional women’s hockey. With teams across three U.S. cities and three in Canada, the league promises a competitive regular season culminating in a playoff series to determine the champion of the prestigious Walter Cup.

Founded in 2023 with support from the Mark Walter Group in partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), the league aims to revolutionize the women’s professional hockey landscape. Its inaugural season commenced in January 2024, following a player draft and the introduction of unique league rules designed to enhance play.

Broadcast partnerships with networks like CBC, TSN, and Radio Canada, along with availability on platforms like YouTube, are expanding the league’s reach further, as it strives to build a lasting legacy in women’s sports.