In its second season, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is soaring to new heights, demonstrating that its groundbreaking debut was just the beginning. Last weekend, the league opened its 2025 season with a spectacular event in Seattle, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s hockey.
After setting an attendance record last year in Detroit, the PWHL is determined to bring the excitement of women’s professional hockey to new cities. Seattle was the inaugural stop for the PWHL’s nine-city Takeover Tour, where the Montreal Victoire faced off against the Boston Fleet at the famed Climate Pledge Arena.
Seattle Embraces Women’s Hockey
The turnout was nothing short of remarkable, as 12,608 fans packed the arena, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of women’s hockey. This overwhelming enthusiasm confirmed Seattle as a strategic choice for the PWHL’s expansion plans.
The crowd was peppered with prominent figures from the LGBTQ sports community, further emphasizing the league’s inclusive spirit. Queer hockey romance author and social media influencer Lexi LaFleur Brown was among the attendees, capturing the electrifying atmosphere with her commentary.
"Amazing turnout at the PWHL game today at Climate Pledge. I haven’t seen this many queer people in one place since I was at a Chappell Roan concert," tweeted LaFleur Brown, capturing the unique vibe of the event.
An Arena of Representation and Joy
The infectious energy was amplified when basketball legend Sue Bird and soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe made a surprise appearance. The crowd erupted as Rapinoe, known for her charismatic on-field presence, playfully chugged a beer while waving a scarf, embracing the joyous occasion.
The event was more than just a game; it was a festival of representation and celebration. As Lexi LaFleur Brown shared her experience on social media, the PWHL's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment was on full display.
Thrilling On-Ice Action
The game itself was a thrilling showcase of talent. Montreal’s Laura Stacey scored the opening goal just six minutes into the match, followed by a second goal assisted by Erin Ambrose. Boston, however, fought back, with Amanda Pelkey assisting on a goal to narrow Montreal’s lead.
The tension reached its peak as Boston tied the game in the third period, forcing a nail-biting shootout. Ultimately, Boston prevailed with a 3-1 victory in the shootout, yet the real winner was women’s hockey and the vibrant community that supports it.
LGBTQ hockey icon Marie-Philip Poulin scored Montreal’s only shootout goal, reminding fans of her prowess and the league’s diverse talent pool.
A Triumph for Women’s Sports
Despite the loss, Laura Stacey was moved by the incredible support from fans. "We’ve gone through plenty of years where we’ve played in buildings, the exact same product on the ice, but not many fans in the building," she reflected. "It’s a pretty big honor to be able to come to places like this, rinks like this, and have 12,000 fans cheering for two teams that don’t even belong to their own city. I think it’s amazing to see."
The Seattle event marked a significant moment for the PWHL, underscoring the league’s potential for growth and the fervent support for women’s sports. As the Takeover Tour continues, cities across the nation eagerly await their turn to host this groundbreaking league, championing both athletic excellence and inclusivity.
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