Your PWHL Questions Asked & Answered!

Yup, you heard correctly. There's a new hockey league in town and this one is for girls and girls only!

At then end of August, media broke out after the announcement of the new Professional Women's Hockey League.

what is the professional women's hockey league?

Funded by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walters and his wife, the gals will take to the ice in January 2024 (I know, it's coming quick!) for a 24-game season, which they eventually hope to increase in the near future. The league expands across North America with three teams in Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa) and the United States (Boston, Minnesota, New York).

Six teams. 150 of the world’s best players.

Where will we see you? pic.twitter.com/4WhFccQ95C
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) August 29, 2023

Now, if you ask me, those are perfect market cities for a young hockey league. One is called the "State of Hockey" and the others are stable based on NHL fanbases, though the jury is still out on the Ottawa Senators.

With the schedule set to be released in the next few months, upcoming fans eagerly await the news of team names, rosters and rinks. Might I suggest the Ottawa Odds Sharks?

where will the PWHL Play?

Now, this is the cool part. Based on first impressions, the PWHL is definitely aiming to mimic the success of the NHL. So, yes each team will have their home arena. But, for the opening season, there will be neutral matchup locations that join forces with the NHL.

Additionally, the PWHL hopes to showcase entertainment by hosting exciting outdoor meetings or an All-Star weekend. Count me in!

how long is the PWHL Season?

Like I said, for now, the schedule will feature 24 games. The puck will drop in January and finish around the end of May. The league has already hushed any worries about the IIHF Women's World Championship participation, saying that they will accommodate a break in April. Finally, the ladies don't have to choose on which to miss out on and can simply head on over to play to grow the game of women's hockey.

who plays in the PWHL?

The first-ever PWHL Draft will take place on September 18th in Toronto. It will featured 15-rounds and give you a chance to literally watch history and see the founding players of these teams.

The PWHL draft order has been revealed! https://t.co/S9kRG7JWs1
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 1, 2023

However, a free-agency period started on September 1st and allows each of the six teams to sign up to three players to its 20-gal roster. So, keep an eye out for those signings!

how is the PWHL Different from other women's hockey leagues?

Simple answer -- unity and support. If you remember, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated he would not be involved in the clashing of two women's leagues. Well Gary, now you don't have too.

The PHF and NWHL, the first league to pay women's hockey players, slipped through the cracks after players were hesistant and unwilling to sign with either. Now, the PWHL comes along with a thoughtful plan, future and promise.

The PWHL's agreement vows and ensures that at least six players on each squad must sign a three-year contract that pays no less than $80,000 per year.

Even those involved have a reputable hockey resume including Brian Burke, former Pittsburgh Penguins president, has signed on as executive director.

With all concerns being smoothed over, the NHL has already come out to say that they will fully support this new league and help grow the game -- it's about damn time and yes, we're holding you to it.