Excitement for the Second Season of PWHL

As the PWHL gears up for its highly anticipated second season, Taylor Heise, standout center for the Minnesota Frost, is buzzing with excitement. The introduction of the 'No Escape' rule promises to transform the dynamics of power plays, and Heise is enthusiastic about the scoring opportunities it could create.

“It makes you salivate,” Heise remarked after being named Playoff MVP last spring when the Frost clinched the league's inaugural Walter Cup. With this new rule, teams will not have the luxury of substituting players during a penalty, leading to fresh chances for the offense, especially against fatigued defenders.

"There’s pressure on centers,” she continued. “If you lose that face-off draw, then what’s the point? But it’s awesome because everyone on the team will need to adapt to unexpected situations. If a defenseman draws a penalty, one of the forwards will have to step up and fill that role.”

Injury Management and Optimism

Despite dealing with a persistent knee issue that kept her off the ice during a mini-camp in Toronto, Heise is optimistic about participating in the opening ceremonies at the Xcel Energy Center, where her team will raise their championship banner.

“It’s an injury where you have to really listen to your body,” Heise said. “I am not a very patient woman, and my trainers keep reminding me that there are no heroes in November. You won’t win a championship in November.”

Virtual Debut in NHL 25

In addition to the thrilling real-life season, Heise and her fellow players will also make their virtual debuts in the world of gaming. EA Sports is set to release an update to NHL 25 on December 5, which will include all six PWHL teams and the league's players. Heise expressed her excitement about being able to play as herself in the game.

“I’ve been getting a lot of messages from fans who are super-excited about us being part of NHL 25,” she shared. This innovative inclusion marks a significant milestone, as the EA Sports NHL franchise expanded its roster to include female players starting in 2022, bringing greater visibility to women's hockey.

Importance of Representation

Heise emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This allows any young girl or boy to choose their player, regardless of gender. They can dream big and play as legends like Natalie Spooner, Hilary Knight, or Kendall Coyne.”

With advances in technology, Heise experienced personalized features like facial recognition for in-game animations, making virtual hockey more immersive than ever.

“This representation matters,” she added. “EA Sports has done a fantastic job with the facial movements and expressions. It’s incredible how real it looks!”

PWHL's Strategic Growth and Upcoming Matches

The PWHL is making significant strides in its second season, and their partnership with EA Sports is a pivotal step towards elevating women's hockey. Amy Scheer, the league's senior VP of business operations, remarked, “Our collaboration with EA Sports opens new doors to elevate women’s hockey across all levels. We aim to create experiences that strengthen the bond between our teams, players, and fans.”

The action kicks off on Saturday, November 30, with the Sceptres taking on the Boston Fleet and the Montreal Victoire facing the Ottawa Charge. Taylor Heise and the Frost will host the New York Sirens in the season's opener on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, and it promises to be a match filled with emotion and high stakes.

Conclusion

Are you ready to see Taylor Heise light up the rink—both in real life and in your gaming console? Don’t miss the action this season!