PWHL Introduces First Expansion Team in Vancouver for the 25-26 Season

Announced on April 23, 2025, PWHL Vancouver will become the league's seventh team, joining the ranks of Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto. The team is slated to play its home games at the historic Pacific Coliseum, a venue that once hosted the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and the WHL’s Vancouver Giants .

The team's colors have been revealed as Pacific blue and cream, reflecting the coastal heritage of the city. While the official team name and branding are yet to be announced, the franchise will temporarily operate under the name "PWHL Vancouver".

Vancouver's selection as the first expansion city is a testament to the city's enthusiastic support for women's hockey. During the PWHL's Takeover Tour in January 2025, a neutral-site game held at Rogers Arena attracted a crowd of 19,038 fans, ranking as the fourth-highest attendance in PWHL history . This overwhelming turnout demonstrated the city's readiness to embrace a professional women's hockey team.​

As the 2025–26 season approaches, PWHL Vancouver will begin assembling its roster. Details regarding the expansion draft and the team's participation in the league's entry draft are expected to be announced in the coming months . The team's practice sessions will be held at the nearby PNE Agrodome, ensuring that players have top-notch facilities to prepare for the season.​

The introduction of PWHL Vancouver signifies more than just league expansion; it represents the growing popularity and sustainability of women's professional hockey. The PWHL has already set global attendance records, including a game in Montreal that drew over 21,000 fans in April 2024 . With the addition of Vancouver, the league continues to build on this momentum, bringing high-caliber women's hockey to new audiences.

As anticipation builds for the 2025–26 season, fans in Vancouver and beyond eagerly await the debut of PWHL Vancouver. The team's introduction not only expands the league's geographic footprint but also reinforces the PWHL's commitment to growing the sport and providing opportunities for female athletes at the professional level.​

Stay tuned for updates on team branding, player signings, and season schedules as PWHL Vancouver prepares to make its mark on the ice.