By Scott Lowe - MYHockeyRankings.com

After an inaugural season that far surpassed anyone’s expectations, we move one step closer to seeing what the Professional Women’s Hockey League will do for an encore Wednesday as the league’s six charter franchises begin their preseason schedules.

One thing is for sure, the PWHL isn’t resting on its laurels heading into Year 2.

After a first season in which all six teams were known only by the name of the city they represented, the PWHL unveiled team identities, logos and uniforms during a busy offseason in which it was very clear that the PWHL intends on continuing the momentum generated during its first season.

Since PWHL Minnesota captured the first Walter Cup in May, the league also held its second draft, announced its first full schedule after an abbreviated initial campaign, introduced its 2024-25 Canadian broadcast partners and formed a partnership with Electronic Arts (EA Sports). The partnership with the creators of the popular NHL 25 video game means that as of Dec. 5 the game will include all six PWHL teams in Play Now, Online Versus, Shootout and Season Modes.

More recently, the PWHL announced its 2024-25 Takeover Tour of neutral-site games to be played in new markets, contests that potentially could serve as auditions for cities that hope to be part of the league’s intended future expansion, which also was announced during the offseason. And finally, the PWHL presented a set of unique rules changes that focus both on player safety and innovation with the intention of fostering offensive play.

“We’re always looking to make the game safer for our players and more fun for our fans,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior VP of Hockey Operations, in a release outlining the changes. “We believe these rule innovations take strides toward both objectives.”

In the rules announcement, the league also listed important dates for the impending 2024-25 campaign:

 

November 20-22: Mini-camps TOR/MTL (28-32 players) 

November 26: Waiver Period Begins (5:00 p.m. ET)

November 27: Waiver Period Closes (3:00 p.m. ET)

November 27: Roster Compliance (by 5:00 p.m. ET) 

November 30: First Game of the Season 

March 1 – May 8: 2025 Draft Declaration Period 

March 2: Trade Deadline (by 12:00 p.m. ET) 

March 3: Roster Freeze Date (by 12:00 p.m. ET) 

May 3: PWHL Regular Season Ends 

May 6: 2025 Playoffs Begins 

 

With the offseason behind us, we turn our attention to Wednesday, Nov. 20 for team mini-camps, which feature a slate of preseason exhibition games to be held in Toronto and Montreal. Each of the six newly named teams – the Montréal Victoire, Boston Fleet, Toronto Sceptres, Minnesota Frost, Ottawa Charge and New York Sirens – will play two games between Nov. 20 and 22 to assist teams with the process of making final roster decisions and being in full league roster compliance by 5 p.m. EST Nov. 27. Teams are allowed to roster as many as 32 players for these contests and may carry 23 active players and three reserves during the regular season.

The mini-camps and games being held in just two locations makes it easy for each team’s front office and coaching staff to scout the players who may become available during the waiver period Nov. 26-27 in person. This increases the odds that players capable of playing in the PWHL who may get cut close to the start of the season will find a home for the 2024-25 campaign.

The regular season begins Nov. 30, with the Toronto Sceptres hosting the Boston Fleet and the Ottawa Charge traveling to Montréal to take on the Victoire. Each team is slated to play 30 games in 2024-25, an increase of six per team, for a league total of 90 regular-season contests.

The complete regular-season schedule can be viewed online here. 

“We have more games, new uniforms, a talented rookie class and so much more for the PWHL community to look forward to,” Hefford said. “For our players and our fans, the season ahead will be intense, competitive and fun.” 

The fun starts Wednesday with this slate of preseason games:

 

Verdun Auditorium in Montréal (Montréal, Boston, Ottawa)

Wednesday, Nov. 20:

2:00 p.m. ET – Montréal Victoire vs. Boston Fleet

 

Thursday, Nov. 21:

2:00 p.m. ET – Boston Fleet vs. Ottawa Charge

 

Friday, Nov. 22:

2:00 p.m. ET – Ottawa Charge vs. Montréal Victoire

 

Ford Performance Centre in Toronto (Toronto, Minnesota, New York)

Wednesday, Nov. 20:

2:15 p.m. ET – Toronto Sceptres vs. Minnesota Frost

 

Thursday, Nov. 21:

2:30 p.m. ET – Minnesota Frost vs. New York Sirens

 

Friday, Nov. 22:

2:30 p.m. ET – New York Sirens vs. Toronto Sceptres

 

The PWHL launched Jan. 1, 2024, and since has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time attendance record for a women’s hockey game. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Fans can follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial. 

MHR will provide a season preview and viewing guide as well as regular weekly coverage of the PWHL. Check www.MYHockeyRankings.com for more in the days and weeks ahead.