Vancouver has been announced as the Professional Women's Hockey League's first expansion city.
The team is set to debut in the 2025-26 season.
In a symbolic move, the news was broken by members of a local U11 girls hockey team, many of whom expressed a desire to one day play in the league.
"It was at that game we made it clear we want a PWHL team," one of the players said, referring to the PWHL takeover tour's tilt between the Montréal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres at Rogers Arena in January, "and today we are so excited because right here in Vancouver, we got a team!"
Home games will be played at the Pacific Coliseum, which has a long and storied hockey history.
"This city's always been a great hockey market, but it's commitment to women's hockey is truly exceptional," PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford said, citing her experience playing at the gold medal game in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympics. "We felt that same energy this year during the Takeover Tour."
She noted that with the growing momentum behind the PWHL, it was the perfect time to expand.
"Today is a great day for a city that passionately supports its teams," Hefford continued. "This expansion brings greater visibility to the west coast, expands our geographic footprint, and, most importantly, grows the game. With this team comes more opportunity for the best women's hockey players in the world to continue competing in one league."
There are currently six teams in the PWHL, based in Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa, New York, Minnesota, and Boston.
BC Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert said he was thrilled to have the PWHL expand to Vancouver.
"When the puck drops at the Coliseum," he said, "the roar of approval, the roar of joy is gonna be so loud, and it’s gonna feel so great!"
His sentiments were shared by Vancouver Deputy Mayor Mike Klassen. He drew attention to the Two Sisters — also known as the Lions — behind him as a symbol of female empowerment, before taking a moment to discuss the team's new home stadium.
"I couldn't be happier that the new host venue for PWHL Vancouver will be the Pacific Coliseum," he said. "For so many Vancouverites and British Columbians, the Coliseum is where some of our greatest hockey memories were made, and to have a new anchor tenant in that iconic venue is really special."
PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost told everyone she was looking forward to see the PWHL bring professional hockey back to the Pacific Coliseum.
"The PNE," she said, "can't wait to welcome the league and its players, as well as a new generation of hockey fans into the rink on Renfrew."
While a name for the new team has not been revealed, the Western Standard was assured that one would be chosen before the season begins.
