The second season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to begin on November 30th, 2024, with increasing expectations as the first puck drop approaches. Before its second year, the league has made substantial strides in solidifying its place in the world of professional women’s sports. From the unveiling of new team logos and uniforms to expanding the league’s reach with international talent, the PWHL is quickly establishing itself as a force for the future of women’s hockey.
One significant voice contributing to the league’s growth has been Montreal Victoire Assistant Head Coach Eric Houde, who has witnessed first-hand the excitement and growth the PWHL has generated in just one year. Houde, who has a diverse coaching background on both the men’s and women’s sides, shared insights into the current state of the league with the Spectator, discussing the challenges the players face and the uniqueness of coaching in the women’s game.
It’s no longer just about the game but rather creating a meaningful, sustainable experience for fans and players alike who are committed to growing the women’s game.
Among the most anticipated developments, this season has been the unveiling of the new team logos and uniforms, which Houde believes will have a meaningful impact on the league’s growth and fan engagement. “It was a new league, and people were complaining about the lack of identity. Now, with the new logos and colors, it’s good for the fans. It gives them something to connect to,” he remarked. With the six identities—Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, Toronto Scepters, New York Sirens, Ottawa Chargers, and the Montreal Victoire—the league deviated from relying on typical mascots or animals for their representation.
The PWHL’s decision to create a unique and branded identity for each team has highlighted the distinguished nature of the league. Montreal’s new name and logo have garnered significant attention, as according to Houde, the team was “in the market for a French name,” not only to reflect the city’s culture, but to add a fresh, distinct identity that would resonate with fans. “Something out of the box,” as Houde put it.
This evolution in branding shows that the PWHL is serious about establishing long-term fan loyalty and enhancing the professionalism of the league. It’s no longer just about the game but rather creating a meaningful, sustainable experience for fans and players alike who are committed to growing the women’s game.
The PWHL’s second season also highlights the growing popularity of women’s hockey. Houde acknowledged that he was “surprised to see how popular women’s sports were,” especially when comparing ticket sales to men’s leagues. When discussing his own team, he compared Montreal’s captain to a renowned NHL name: “We’re lucky enough to have Marie-Philip Poulin, who is basically the Sidney Crosby of women’s hockey.” Although they have different leagues and styles of play, star players from the PWHL are bringing more visibility and excitement to the game, drawing similarities through likeness to popular NHL stars. Houde also pointed out that every PWHL game in Montreal has sold out, a testament to how popular the league has already become.
On the ice, the PWHL is taking steps to ensure the quality of play continues to rise. Houde emphasized that this season, every team will benefit from an influx of international talent. “With the new rookies that we drafted from U.S. universities and more international players, the league is going to keep getting better,” Houde stated. This integration of global talent is not only increasing the level of competition but also establishing the PWHL as a league that showcases the best talent around the world.
While some fans may be tempted to compare play in the PWHL to the NHL, Houde believes it’s essential to understand the differences between the two. “You cannot compare,” he explained. “Physically, it’s not the same. NHL players are bigger, the shots, the passes, and the skating aren’t the same as the men’s side.” However, Houde is quick to note that the women’s game has its own strengths, particularly when it comes to hockey IQ and teamwork. “System-wise, they are really smart. It’s intense for any kind of hockey.”
Houde also pointed out that “the women’s side focuses more on nutrition and training compared to the men’s side,” which exemplifies a more holistic approach to the game with women training not only their bodies but also their minds. “It’s really good hockey,” Houde noted. “They’re fast, they move quick, and I’m impressed with how they perform.”
As the PWHL continues to grow, the players’ commitment to their sport and their professionalism is evident. Even though they may not earn millions or experience the same level of fame as NHL stars, the league offers something just as important: the opportunity for women to pursue professional hockey careers and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Despite the progress, there are still challenges that the league faces, particularly in terms of financial sustainability and player development. “First of all, money is not the thing,” Houde noted, emphasizing that players are not skipping college to enter the PWHL, as happens in men’s hockey. Women are coming into the league after completing their education, which means they have options beyond just hockey. Houde believes the current college-to-pro pipeline is essential for female hockey players’ development.
As the PWHL heads into its second season, the league’s focus is on continuing to build momentum. With a foundation of skilled players, committed coaches, and enthusiastic fans, the future looks bright for women’s hockey. The introduction of new logos and jerseys, combined with international talent, has already sparked excitement, and the league’s potential for growth seems limitless. As Houde aptly summarized, “It’s only going to keep getting better.”