What the PWHL Inaugural Season Has Meant

On the precipice of the inaugural season of the PWHL completing with the first ever awarding of the Walter Cup, I thought looking back on the season that was and what it meant to me would be a useful exercise. There were several common themes threaded throughout the entire season that stuck with me as I took in all the history as a fan.

Positivity

One thing that has struck me in watching the PWHL is the absolute positivity of the league and everything surrounding it. Even during games, you can see the comradery between players on opposing teams. Maybe that will fade in time as rivalries form, but even as the infancy of those rivalries form, there is still an inherent respect between the players you don’t typically see in sports.

Dare to Dream

Seeing all the young girls at the games has been really an inspiring thing to see. Not only do they get the simple joy of watching their heroes in person on a regular (and affordable!) basis, but they can now see that playing hockey can be a valid choice of dedicating your life to. It isn’t just for Olympians anymore.

Pure Joy and Support

Speaking of the fans, the environment at the games just seems to exude pure joy and support for women's hockey at all levels. Seeing all the young girls in groups wearing their youth team sweaters, with signs for the women they look up to and want to play like is incredible. The crowds are just enjoying everything and taking it all in. There's no hostility or negativity from what I've seen or heard. It's just overwhelming love, joy, and positivity.

Increased Opportunity and Visibility

One of the main things the PWHL finally accomplished this season is providing real opportunity and visibility to the athletes in the PWHL. It's easy to find and watch the games on YouTube. Games are played in actual arenas with large crowds. The salaries are enough to attract the top talent and make it reasonable that these athletes can use this as their career. Real sponsors came out and contributed to the league. A united player's association is involved. The teams have full staffs, and fly the players from game to game. The season was long enough for teams to gain chemistry and create rivalries. Fans can see what their team is strong and weak in which in turn builds excitement for the offseason.

Vindicated

I originally was going to title this section "Validated," but I feel like this is more than just validation. There's always the male contingent of sports fandom that would never watch women's sports and claim others won't either. But both women and supportive men alike have come out in droves to support the PWHL. Every game bringing in thousands of fans regardless of location and teams, including a game with over 21,000 fans. The excitement around the playoffs has been palpable, and the games have been every bit as good as the NHL playoffs. Goaltending duels, highlight reel goals, defensive battles, track meets, they've all been a part of the playoffs. We even have Minnesota, who is on the brink of winning the first Walter Cup after being chosen as Toronto's first round opponent, facing elimination but winning three games in a row to make the Final, and is now on the other end of the spectrum.

This first season has been a rollercoaster, but in all the good ways. The excitement and history has been fun to watch and be a very small part of. I hope the season ends with all the same excitement and history, and that momentum carries into the offseason.