Hockey fans, get ready! Vancouver is on the brink of a thrilling addition to its sports scene—a new hockey team is about to make its debut!

The buzz around the city has reached a fever pitch as 1130 NewsRadio reports that the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding its reach to the West Coast. A pivotal news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m., featuring key figures from the B.C. government, the City of Vancouver, and other influential stakeholders.

Adding to the excitement, reports from the Associated Press suggest that Seattle may soon follow suit with its own team, paving the way for an electrifying rivalry along the I-5 corridor!

The new Vancouver team is expected to take up residence at the historic Pacific Coliseum, a legendary venue that once hosted the Vancouver Canucks. This move is poised to revive the arena's storied hockey legacy.

The current PWHL, now in its second season, has six teams competing and has spent months strategizing for expansion. Vancouver’s inclusion seems long overdue, especially considering the city's robust women’s hockey community. This was further illustrated when a PWHL match between Toronto and Montreal in January drew an astonishing crowd of over 19,000 fans to Rogers Arena.

The PWHL is not just about building rivalries; it’s on a mission to elevate women’s hockey across North America. With current teams located in major Eastern cities—Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, and New York—plus one in St. Paul, Minnesota, the league is fervently working to expand its footprint.

Mark your calendars! The PWHL playoffs kick off in May, setting the stage for an exhilarating end to the season and a promising future for women’s hockey in Vancouver!