The PWHL Explained

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is the top professional destination for women's hockey in North America. It launched in January 2024 with six teams across Canada and the United States, backed by a single ownership group, and has expanded since.

Teams and geography

The PWHL began play in January 2024 with six teams that initially competed under city names only. Full team identities were unveiled in September 2024: the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres. Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent joined as expansion clubs for the 2025-26 season, bringing the league to eight teams. Most teams use NHL or AHL-affiliated arenas, with select games played in NHL buildings to capitalize on attendance demand.

Format

• 30 games per team in the regular season (the inaugural 2023-24 season was 24 games).
• Playoff format crowns a champion that is awarded the Walter Cup.
• Single-table standings (no conferences in the early years).
• Roster sizes around 23 players, with reserve and practice player categories.

How players get there

The PWHL holds an annual draft. There is no minimum or maximum age requirement: players declare for the draft during an annual declaration window (typically March to May). The pool spans amateur college players and professionals, including Europeans. A player may declare for no more than two drafts; players who go undrafted twice or who are drafted but not signed within two years can re-enter the pool. The first PWHL draft (September 2023) ran 15 rounds and selected 90 players, including Olympic and World Championship veterans alongside top NCAA and USports graduates.

Why it matters

Before the PWHL, North American women's pro hockey had been through several attempted leagues, none of which lasted with stable salaries and true professional infrastructure. The PWHL is the first to combine substantial salary minimums, full-time roles, and major-market ownership backing in a single structure.