The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a North American ice hockey league with six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto. It features some of the best women’s hockey players in the world. The league has a regular season and postseason to compete for the Walter Cup.
Since its launch on January 1, 2024, the PWHL has set attendance records, including the highest ever for a women’s hockey game. In 2024, it was named Sports Breakthrough of the Year by Sports Business Journal and topped the Canadian edition of the Harris Poll for company reputation. The league is supported by a staff of over 100, with leadership from Jayna Hefford and Amy Scheer.
PWHL Format & Rules
According to DW, the PWHL follows a 30-game season from November to May, with each team playing opponents six times. A 3-2-1-0 points system is used - three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime or shootout win, one for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero for a regulation loss. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs, featuring two semi-finals and a best-of-five final to compete for the Walter Cup.
PWHL Rules Overview
According to the PWHL, the league's rules align with NHL and IIHF standards but include unique features like the "jailbreak" rule, ending a penalty if a team scores a short-handed goal, and body checking is allowed under specific conditions. Players can take multiple attempts during shootouts, and referees assess body checks based on intent and movement.
Player Safety
Illegal Check to the Head: Major penalty and game misconduct for all illegal checks to the head.
Head-Butting: Upgraded to a major penalty plus game misconduct.
Hair Pulling and Equipment Abuse: Major penalty and game misconduct for pulling hair or grabbing chin straps/face protection.
Innovation
No Escape Rule: Players on a team with a penalty must stay on the ice until after the ensuing face-off.
Too Many Players Penalty: Additional delay of game penalty if too many players are on the ice to cause confusion.
Other Rule Changes
Deflected Puck: Face-off conducted in the attacking zone if a shot is deflected out of play.
Coach Challenges: Coaches can challenge Delay of Game - Puck Over Glass, with penalties for unsuccessful challenges.
Goalkeeper Injury: The replacement goalie gets a brief warm-up after a mandatory medical evaluation.
PWHL Teams
According to NYTimes, the PWHL revealed the official names and logos for its six inaugural teams for the 2024-25 season: the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres. Each name reflects the local culture and identity, from Boston's maritime history ("Fleet") to Toronto's regal heritage ("Sceptres"). The branding process involved fan input, community research, and collaboration with the Flower Shop creative agency.
FAQs on PWHL Format & Rules
A. The PWHL was founded by the Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises, who purchased the Premier Hockey Federation before launching the new league.
A. The PWHL and all six of its teams are owned by the Mark Walter Group.
A. The Walter Cup is named in honor of Mark and Kimbra Walter, recognizing their support in enabling the creation of the PWHL.
A. Yes, TSN and RDS are the exclusive broadcasters for the PWHL Finals.
A. Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, Stan Kasten, and Royce Cohen are the ruling and governing body of the PWHL.
