Hockey enthusiasts in Winnipeg expressed a strong desire for a local Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise as the league made its debut in the Manitoba capital over the weekend. The first-ever PWHL game in Winnipeg attracted a capacity crowd of over 15,000 fans, witnessing the Ottawa Charge defeat the Montreal Victoire 2-1 as part of the league’s Takeover Tour.
The passionate fans donned jerseys, displayed creative signs advocating for a team in the city, and enthusiastically sang along to the in-game playlist throughout the night. One attendee, Jen Seguin, emphasized the importance of having a team in Winnipeg, highlighting the city’s love for women’s sports and the diverse audience present at the game.
Similarly, Madison Zienkiewicz echoed the sentiment, calling on Chipman to take notice of Winnipeg’s enthusiasm for the PWHL. Zienkiewicz, who had traveled to Minneapolis for a PWHL game, emphasized the appeal of women’s sports and the need for a team in the city.
Local players Kati Tabin and Jocelyne Larocque, who had the opportunity to play professional hockey in their home province for the first time during the game, also voiced their support for Winnipeg having its own PWHL team. Larocque highlighted the city’s strong hockey culture and the absence of a professional women’s sports team, indicating that hockey would be a fitting first choice.
Tabin, on the other hand, emphasized the city’s deep-rooted love for hockey, making it an ideal location for a team. The presence of a significant number of friends and family members in the stands further underlined the local support for the players and the league.
The energy and enthusiasm of the sellout crowd did not go unnoticed, with players and staff acknowledging the overwhelming support shown by the fans. Montreal forward Abby Roque commended the young girls in attendance, emphasizing the impact of showcasing professional women’s hockey to inspire future generations.
PWHL executive vice-president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford acknowledged Winnipeg’s status as a hockey city and hinted at potential expansion, citing the importance of evaluating markets through events like the Takeover Tour. While expansion for the next season appears unlikely, Annie Chipman expressed interest in fostering a stronger relationship with the league and bringing more games to Winnipeg in the future.
As the PWHL’s Takeover Tour continues and the regular season progresses, the league is already looking ahead to next year’s events. Plans are underway to potentially host additional games in Winnipeg, reflecting the growing interest and support for women’s hockey in the city.