In an exciting turn of events, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set for an all-Canadian final as the Montreal Victoire triumphed over the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday night, securing their place in the highly anticipated Walter Cup final. The Victoire will now face off against the Ottawa Charge, starting Thursday, marking a significant moment for women’s sports in Canada.
Excitement Builds for the Walter Cup Final
Kori Cheverie, head coach of the Victoire, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming rivalry, stating, “It’s going to be something that the fans haven’t seen yet; it’s going to be a good rivalry. I think our league continues to grow the game on both sides of the border, and I think that people are really excited that the Walter Cup will have a new home this year.” Cheverie’s optimism reflects a broader sentiment within the league and its supporters, who see this final as not just a competition but a pivotal moment for the visibility of women’s hockey.
The significance of this all-Canadian final extends beyond mere sport. Advocates for women’s participation in athletics, such as Ainka Jess, founder of She’s 4 Sports, believe that this event can inspire young girls across Canada. “If you can see it, then you can dream it,” Jess remarked. She highlighted the importance of representation, emphasising that young athletes from diverse backgrounds now have role models who reflect their experiences, making the dream of playing professionally more attainable.
Growth of the PWHL
The PWHL has experienced substantial growth since its inception in 2024, expanding its number of teams and increasing the number of games played. Following the success of many players in the 2026 Olympics, there has been a noticeable surge in interest, leading to a boom in ticket sales. In a recent statement, the league noted that between February 22 and 28, it recorded its highest home venue ticket sales week since expanding to eight teams in April 2025.
Moreover, website traffic for the PWHL surged, reaching nearly six times the usual volume during the Olympic period. YouTube views of league content also skyrocketed, increasing by 200 per cent in the same timeframe. The excitement surrounding the league is evident, with three out of the first four games held in Canadian markets post-Olympics selling out.
The Impact of Canadian Representation
The Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) has pointed out that the current success, combined with the all-Canadian final, could lead to increased investment in women’s hockey. Fran Rider, president and CEO of the OWHA, stated, “We need to get more sponsors on, and we guarantee every major sponsor that comes into the women’s game, you’re going to get them more than you expected because there’s a great loyalty, and it is such a values-based sport.”
This loyalty, coupled with the values inherent in the PWHL, not only fosters a sense of community but also creates a “realistic dream” for young girls, allowing them to boast about their involvement in a girls’ hockey team with confidence and pride.
The league recently announced the addition of three new teams, including another Canadian franchise in Hamilton, which will play at the TD Coliseum—an arena that can accommodate up to 19,000 spectators. This expansion signifies not only a broader platform for women players but also an opportunity for increased visibility and opportunities within the sport, from coaching to front-office roles.
A Spark for Future Generations
As the puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. on Thursday for Game 1 of the Walter Cup final, Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner shared her hopes for the event. She remarked, “I think there’s going to be a lot of young girls that are watching these playoffs that will be inspired for years to come, and as a result, dream of playing in the PWHL.”
Jenner’s sentiments echo a growing recognition that this final is more than just a championship; it is a message to aspiring female athletes that they too can achieve greatness in sports.
Why it Matters
The all-Canadian final of the PWHL not only showcases the talent and competitiveness of women’s hockey but also serves as a powerful catalyst for change. By providing visibility and representation, the success of these teams can inspire a new generation of female athletes, fostering an environment where dreams of professional sports are within reach. With ongoing expansion and increasing support, the PWHL is paving the way for future generations, ensuring that the next wave of female athletes sees a bright and promising future in sport.