Women’s pro hockey is heading west!
The Professional Women’s Hockey League officially announced on Wednesday, April 23, that Vancouver, B.C., has been awarded an expansion franchise and will begin playing in the 2025-26 season.
“This is a significant milestone for the PWHL and for the growth of women’s hockey. Expansion creates new opportunities for more elite athletes to continue their professional careers at the highest level. It’s fitting that this next chapter features Vancouver—a city with a rich history in women’s hockey. With what’s expected to be another deep draft class this June, we’re excited to build a competitive, community-connected team that reflects the PWHL style our fans have come to embrace.”
— Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations
Along with the announcement, the team revealed that its primary colour would be “Pacific Blue,” with cream as the secondary colour. It will operate as “PWHL Vancouver” until a permanent brand identity is unveiled.
A placeholder logo that accompanied Wednesday’s announcement featured a cream PWHL logo in a blue circle in the middle of a roundel. “VANCOUVER” is written out in blue on a cream background on the top half of the roundel, while the league name runs in reverse colours on the bottom half.
The Vancouver team will play its home games at the Pacific Coliseum—home of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks from 1970 to 1995—and will practice at the nearby PNE Agrodome. Both facilities will “undergo comprehensive upgrades” before the start of 2025-26 season, and the Coliseum will also upgrade its technology and broadcast capabilities.
“This is a great day for women’s sport in Vancouver, and a great day for professional hockey at the PNE. We are honoured to have worked with the PWHL to be chosen host venue for this expansion franchise, and we are thrilled to support driving professional women’s sport in this city and at the Pacific Coliseum, a beloved venue continuing to deliver memorable player and guest experiences.”
— Shelley Frost, PNE President and CEO
The league landed on Vancouver after an extensive Request for Proposal process. Their candidacy was reinforced by the city’s enthusiastic response to the PWHL Takeover Tour in January 2025, when 19,038 people sold out Rogers Arena to watch the Montréal Victoire take on the Toronto Sceptres.
Along with Vancouver, Seattle is also rumoured to be joining the PWHL ranks in time for the 2025-26 season.
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