Michigan native Josh Sciba has been named the head coach of the PWHL Detroit team ahead of its inaugural season starting later this year.

Sciba is from Westland and spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the New York Sirens.

Josh is a highly respected coach with a knowledge of the game and experience at all levels of women's hockey that set him apart, and his passion for teaching and individual character are qualities I value in a leader, PWHL Detroit GM Manon Rhaume said in a statement. Hockeytown is in his blood, and this is an opportunity I know he is eager to embrace with an understanding of what it means to represent this city and be part of its legacy.

Sciba was also an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey Team that won a gold medal this past February, and has had the same role with the U.S. Women's National Team since 2022.

Watch below: Detroit officially gets a PWHL team with play beginning in 2026-27 season

Im incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to become the Head Coach of PWHL Detroit and beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead the organization from the beginning, Sciba said in a statement. This is home and especially meaningful for me and my entire family, knowing Detroit's rich hockey history and identity firsthand and how much the women's hockey community has been yearning for this moment. Working alongside Manon, someone who has meant so much to the growth of the sport, is a journey I'm so fortunate to be on, with her passion, leadership, and vision that will make Detroit a destination for players."

Sciba served as head coach of the Union College women's hockey team from 2016-2024 before joining the PWHL and also has extensive coaching experience.

Watch below: Mickey Redmond shares excitement over PWHL Detroit team

Legendary women's hockey player Manon Rhaume has been named the first general manager for Detroit's Professional Women's Hockey League team.

The league made the announcement on Friday.

Rhaume is one of the most influential and legendary players in women's hockey and was the first woman to play in an NHL game and a major junior league game.

Watch below: PWHL announces a team is coming to Detroit starting next season

After her playing career, Rhaume worked with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club as the girls' program coordinator and also spent time with the Los Angeles Kings. She was a hockey operations and prospect advisor for LA.

Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice, said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. She brings an unmatched hockey resume, a championship mindset, and a lifelong commitment to growing the womens game. Her experience at every level of hockey, combined with her leadership and vision, makes her the perfect person to lead PWHL Detroit into its inaugural season.

Im incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit, Rhaume said in a statement. This city has such a deep hockey tradition, and the passion for hockey here is truly special. The growth of womens hockey has been incredible to watch, and Im grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the sport alongside the PWHL. I cant wait to get started and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud of.

She will lead the PWHL Detroit team during its inaugural season, which will start with the 2026 PWHL Draft at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on June 17.

The Professional Women's Hockey League said that more than 230 players have declared for the draft, which will take place in Detroit this summer.

According to the PWHL, the draft features 235 players, including several from Michigan and 23 players who competed in the 2026 Olympics.

The draft is set to take place at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, June 17 at 5 p.m. with the Vancouver Goldeneyes holding the first overall pick.

The news comes one week after the league announced Detroit would be the first expansion team for the 2026-27 season, with the team playing at Little Caesars Arena.

Plymouth native Kirsten Simms, who won the NCAA championship with the Wisconsin Badgers, is among the players from Michigan who declared for the draft. Five players from the U.S. gold medal team are declared.

Tickets for the draft in Detroit go on sale Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. and start at $25. See a full list of players who declared by clicking here.

Thousands of season ticket deposits were placed in the first 24 hours after it was announced that Detroit was getting a Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team.

Officials with the league said late Thursday that there were more than 4,000 season ticket deposits placed for the 2026-27 season. The team will play at Little Caesars Arena, which holds over 19,000 fans for hockey games.

Related: There are 13 players from Michigan in the PWHL; here's who they are

Fans can still place season ticket deposits starting at $50 per ticket and if you don't end up getting season tickets, the credit can be applied to tickets for future games. There are also premium deposits for $200 per ticket.

On Wednesday, the league announced Detroit would be the first expansion city for the 2026-27 season, and said it was bringing the awards and PWHL Draft to Detroit in June at the Fox Theatre.

Detroit's primary colors will be black and silver, complemented by white as a secondary color and red as an accent. Ally Financial will also be the team's inaugural partner and there will be an Ally patch on the jersey.

The announcement comes on the heels of two successful Takeover Tour games in January and March at Little Caesars Arena.

The game set a new Little Caesars Arena record for the PWHL with 15,938 fans attending the game between the Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens. That game was also the first nationally televised PWHL game, airing on ION, which is owned by WXYZ's parent company, E.W. Scripps. It was also sponsored by Ally Financial, which is based in Detroit.

Also, during that game, there was a segment where fans showed off their signs, all of which expressed the passion and desire of fans to bring women's hockey to Hockeytown.

In 2025, Detroit set a U.S. attendance record for a professional women's hockey game. In total, nearly 54,000 fans have attended PWHL games at Little Caesars Arena over the past three years.

The WNBA is also returning to Detroit in the 2029 season, another expansion of professional women's sports in the city.

The Professional Women's Hockey League has announced details for their draft, which will take place in Detroit, one day after announcing the city is getting the next team in the league.

The draft, which will be presented by Upper Deck, will be held at the Fox Theatre beginning at 5 p.m. on June 17. Tickets will go on sale May 12 for fans who make an early deposit for PWHL Detroit packages. The public sale will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13.

A limited-time presale offering 20% off will be available to current Season Ticket Members across the PWHLs eight teams, as well as PWHL Detroit Season Ticket Member depositors who purchase by Monday, May 11, ahead of the presale window. Deposits for PWHL Detroit season tickets can be made here.

Fans can also purchase a limited-availability Early Access Experience Package, which includes:

As part of the announcement, the PWHL also announced that Ally Financial will be the inaugural partner and Official Bank of PWHL Detroit.

Fans can stay up to date on all 2026 PWHL Draft and Awards announcements at thepwhl.com and by following @thepwhlofficial across all social media platforms.

The Professional Women's Hockey League announced Wednesday that Detroit would be the next expansion city, playing in the 2026-27 season.

Related: Detroit officially gets a PWHL team; league awards & draft tRelated: Detroit officially gets a PWHL team; league awards & draft to be held at Fox Theatre in Juneo be held at Fox Theatre in June

Since the league's inaugural season and after four successful Takeover Tour games, Detroit was favored to be one of the expansion cities, as we are Hockeytown.

Watch below: Shiann Darkangelo from Brighton talks ahead of Takeover Tour in Detroit

While the team name and brand haven't been announced, the league did say that it will feature black and silver as the primary colors, complemented by white as a secondary color and red as an accent.

More than 200 players from across the world compete in the league, with more expected to be added through the draft in June, which is also being held in Detroit.

The players from Michigan are:

Megan Keller - Farmington - Boston Fleet

Riley Brengman - China Township - Boston Fleet

Amanda Thiele - Milford - Boston Fleet

Abby Roque - Sault Ste. Marie - Montral Victoire

Shiann Darkangelo - Brighton - Montral Victoire

Elle Hartje - Bloomfield Hills - New York Sirens

Taylor Girard - Macomb Township - New York Sirens

Callie Shanahan - Commerce Township - New York Sirens

Kaley Doyle - Livonia - New York Sirens

Emma Gentry - Alpena - Toronto Sceptres

Clare Van Wieren - Okemos - Toronto Sceptres

Anna Segedi - Commerce Township - Vancouver Goldeneyes

Melissa Channell-Watkins - Plymouth - Vancouver Goldeneyes

Detroit is officially getting a Professional Women's Hockey (PWHL) team. On Wednesday, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announced the team, alongside the PWHL.

Related: There are 13 players from Michigan in the PWHL; here's who they are

The team will begin playing at Little Caesars Arena, starting in 2026-27 season and Detroit-based Ally Financial will be the team's inaugural partner.

Detroit's primary colors will be black and silver, complemented by white as a secondary color and red as an accent.

The league is also hosting its award ceremony and PWHL Draft in Detroit on June 16 and June 17 at the Fox Theatre.

Fans can begin placing deposits for season tickets, starting at $50 per ticket. Fans who place an early season ticket deposit will also get access to tickets for the draft on June 17. You can place your deposit for tickets here.

Detroit has been part of PWHL history since the beginning; from the support shown at our first-ever neutral site game at Little Caesars Arena, the city and fans have helped lead the way for the future of pro womens hockey, said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President, Business Operations. Led by our incredible partner Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Detroit proved time and time again they are ready for a team of their own. We are so proud to permanently join Hockeytown with the introduction of PWHL Detroit.

Detroit is one of the great hockey cities, shaped by generations of players, teams, and fans who have helped grow the game at every level. Bringing a PWHL team to Little Caesars Arena is an exciting next step for our city and for the continued momentum of womens hockey, said Chris Ilitch, President and CEO, Ilitch Companies. This moment also reflects our broader vision of using sports as a catalyst for Detroits continued revitalization strengthening community engagement, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the citys long-term development. Were proud to support the PWHLs growth, welcome these athletes to our city, and inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue the game at the highest level.

"We are thrilled that professional women's hockey is coming to our great city.Detroit is hoYou can place your deposit for tickets hereme to incredibly passionate hockey fans who already have shown their enthusiasm and support for the PWHL here at Little Caesars Arena," said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. "I am deeply appreciative to the PWHL, Chris Ilitch, and Ally for making today possible.I have no doubt that Detroit will prove to be a premiere PWHL market.We can't wait for Detroit to host the PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft here in June as we prepare for the start of the teams exciting inaugural season."

There have been reports over the past few weeks that Detroit was a frontrunner to get a PWHL team  one of potentially four expansion teams. It comes on the heels of two successful Takeover Tour games in January and March at Little Caesars Arena.

The game set a new Little Caesars Arena record for the PWHL with 15,938 fans attending the game between the Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens. That game was also the first nationally televised PWHL game, airing on ION, which is owned by WXYZ's parent company, E.W. Scripps. It was also sponsored by Ally Financial, which is based in Detroit.

Also, during that game, there was a segment where fans showed off their signs, all of which expressed the passion and desire of fans to bring women's hockey to Hockeytown.

In 2025, Detroit set a U.S. attendance record for a professional women's hockey game. In total, nearly 54,000 fans have attended PWHL games at Little Caesars Arena over the past three years.

The WNBA is also returning to Detroit in the 2029 season, another expansion of professional women's sports in the city.

Watch below: WNBA approves expansion team in Detroit

The league, which now consists of eight teams, expanded last season to the West Coast by adding teams in Seattle and Vancouver. The league now has teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Toronto, Seattle and Vancouver.

When the PWHL announced the new teams last April, they only announced the cities and team colors, saying the teams would operate as PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver. It wasn't until November that the team's names were revealed.

The PWHL season began in November 2025 and each team plays 30 regular-season games. The Walter Cup. The Walter Cup Playoffs began in April and feature two playoff rounds  the semifinals and the finals. Each series is a five-game series.

This season, the Minnesota Frost and Montreal Victoire are in one semifinal series and the Ottawa Charge and Boston Fleet are in the other.

Watch below: Detroit pop-up sports bar dedicated to women's sports gains momentum

Update on May 5, 2026: Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is set to make an announcement on Wednesday morning at Little Caesars Arena.

Several reports say the announcement is for a PWHL team coming to Detroit.

Original story from April 6, 2026 below

Detroit is a frontrunner to get a new Professional Women's Hockey League team when the league announces its next expansion, according to multiple reports.

The city just hosted its fourth PWHL Takeover Tour game in three seasons, and set a new Little Caesars Arena record for the PWHL with 15,938 fans attending the game between the Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens.

Also, last week, University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch said on her podcast, "I believe we'll be getting a team in Detroit soon, which really excites me."

According to The Athletic, PWHL Advisory Board Member Stan Kasten said that the league was going to have news about expansion "in the next few weeks."

The Athletic said that Detroit is the leader in the clubhouse for a new team after the four games in the city. The latest game was also the first nationally televised game on ION, which is owned by WXYZ's parent company, E.W. Scripps, and sponsored by Ally Financial, which is based in Detroit.

"At this point, it would be shocking if Detroit werent one of the leagues newest teams by next season," The Athletic wrote.

During the latest Takeover Tour game, there was a segment where signs were showcased from fans, all of which expressed the passion of fans wanting to bring a team to Hockeytown.

The league, which now consists of eight teams, expanded last season to the West Coast by adding teams in Seattle and Vancouver. The teams are in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Toronto, Seattle and Vancouver.

The Montreal Victoire defeated the New York Sirens 3-1 on Saturday in Detroit in a historic game for the Professional Women's Hockey League.

The game, part of the PWHL Takeover Tour, was the league's first nationally-televised game on linear television thanks to a partnership with Scripps Sports and Ally Financial.

It was also the fourth PWHL Takeover Tour game at Little Caesars Arena, and the second this year. Detroit is now the first city to host four neutral-site PWHL games.

The total attendance was 15,938, a record in Detroit, which has previously set the US attendance record for a women's hockey game.

Hear from the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire players in the video below

Fans at Little Caesars Arena were loud throughout the game, showing off signs that said the city wants a PWHL team, and cheering for both the Sirens and Victoire.

The Sirens got on the board first with a goal from Casey O'Brien midway through the first period. The game stayed 1-0 after a Sirens goal was reversed on review.

In the third period, the Victoire turned up the offensive pressure and scored three goals two from Catherine Dubois and one from Laura Stacey.

The game featured some big hits and physicality throughout, with seven combined penalties. Several skirmishes during the game led to loud cheers from fans and signs that said "let them fight."

PWHL rules differ slightly from the NHL and instead are similar to the IIHF, related to bodychecking, face protection and fighting.

This is the last PWHL Takeover Tour game in Detroit this season.

A new kind of sports bar is popping up in Detroit, and it is dedicated entirely to women's sports.

Bar IX does not have its own permanent location yet, but it is hosting pop-up events at local bars, including The Meantime on Cass Avenue. The concept comes as interest in women's sports continues to grow, arriving just in time for the first national broadcast of the Professional Women's Hockey League in the U.S.

"Weve always wondered what if we could go to a bar and not have to fight to have the game on the television," Alissa Graff said.

Graff is turning that idea into a reality by bringing Detroits first bar dedicated to womens sports.

"Its a common misconception that Bar IX is only for women. It is a bar for everyone. It is a bar that is celebrating and highlighting womens sports specifically and that is an entertainment space for everyone," Graff said.

She named the venture Bar IX, inspired by Title IX, the landmark 1972 law that expanded opportunities for women in education and sports.

"We want to make sure that, that history is acknowledged and we bring it into the modern day in a lot of different ways," Graff said.

The venture is personal for Graff and was shaped by her mothers influence.

"She was a beneficiary of Title IX, it was implemented just a few years before she was in college and she had the opportunity to play college basketball on a scholarship, which she didnt even know could have been a possibility when she was in high school to start, and because she played college basketball, she encouraged me," Graff said.

Even without a permanent location, Bar IX is already seeing success and drawing big crowds at pop-ups across the city.

"Weve had anywhere up to 120 people at some of our events," Graff said.

The momentum aligns with growing interest in women's sports.

"Just had the Olympics and this really exciting womens hockey moment," fan Sam Poeppelman said.

The group's next big event is an outing for the PWHL takeover tour, marking the leagues first national broadcast. More than 175 seats are reserved for Bar IX followers to watch together.

Poeppelman said she will be there.

"To have the PWHL back in Detroit is just amazing," Poeppelman said.

John O'Neill will also be in attendance for his first PWHL game.

"Just pure excitement for the PWHL. I just was made aware of it recently and then Im pretty involved in local hockey, volunteer coaching. We get to work with girls and boys and its just been really exciting to see just the community grow and grow," O'Neill said.

I asked O'Neill how to get more men on board with supporting women's sports.

"I think, thats a great question, how we can get men more involved with womens sports, I think its a matter of just watching. So its a matter of just taking a look at the game, be it basketball, be it ice hockey, and just seeing the level of play out there, the level of physicality, the passion," O'Neill said.

With more pop-ups planned and crowdfunding on the horizon, Graff hopes this is just the beginning for Bar IX.

"People are excited to watch womens sports in community together, in a supportive environment and a place to just have a good time celebrating womens sports," Graff said.

To stay up to date on Bar IX, you can follow their Instagram.

The PWHL game will air Saturday at 1 p.m. on ION. It will also simulcast on TV20 Detroit.

Several players from metro Detroit and Michigan will be on the ice when the New York Sirens and the Montreal Victoire face off at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.

Hear from Shiann Darkangelo in the video below

The PWHL Takeover Tour will host its second game in Detroit this year on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Related: 15 Olympic women's hockey players coming to Detroit for 2nd PWHL game, including Canada's captain

The game in Detroit will also be the first nationally-televised game in the league's history. Ally Financial and Scripps Sports have teamed up with the PWHL to make it happen with the leagues Takeover Tour game between the New York Sirens and the Montral Victoire.

Hear from players from Michigan in the video below

The players from metro Detroit and Michigan are:

New York Sirens

Taylor Girard - No. 17 - Forward

Girard is from Macomb Township and has seven goals and an assist in 17 games this season for the Sirens. She was the first-overall pick in the 2021 NWHL/PHF Draft.

Elle Hartje - No. 4 - Forward

Hartje is from Bloomfield Hills and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 PWHL Draft. She was named the Detroit Jewish News' High School Athlete of the Year in 2019 and attended Detroit Country Day.

Callie Shanahan - No. 37 - Goaltender

Shanahan is from Commerce Township and has appeared in two games for the Sirens this season.

Kayley Doyle - Goaltender - From Livonia

Montreal Victoire

Abby Roque - No. 11 - Forward

Roque is from Sault Ste. Marie and is in her first season with the Victoire. She has six goals and 12 assists this season and is the team's leading point-scorer.

Shiann Darkangelo - No. 27 - Forward

Darkangelo is from Brighton and has three goals and two assists in 21 games for the Victoire this season.

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is returning to Detroit this weekend for the second Takeover tour game at Little Caesars Arena.

The New York Sirens and the Montreal Victoire will face off at 1 p.m. Saturday at Little Caesars Arena.

Related: 15 Olympic women's hockey players coming to Detroit for 2nd PWHL game, including Canada's captain

The game in Detroit will also be the first nationally-televised game in the league's history. Ally Financial and Scripps Sports have teamed up with the PWHL to make it happen with the leagues Takeover Tour game between the New York Sirens and the Montral Victoire.

Before the game, fans will be able to see the players up close at two open practices. The practices will be free for fans, and will be followed by an autograph session for the first 50 fans.

First up, the Victoire will host the open practice at the Belfor Training Center at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Then, the Sirens will host their open practice at the Belfor Training Center on Friday, March 27, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

See a full media availability with PWHL players before the Takeover Tour in Detroit in the video below

The Professional Womens Hockey League will have its upcoming game broadcast on national linear television in the United States for the first time later this month.

Ally Financial and Scripps Sports have teamed up with the PWHL to make it happen with the leagues Takeover Tour game between the New York Sirens and the Montral Victoire.

"Fan interest in women's hockey is at an all-time high, buoyed by the amazing success of Team USA in this year's Winter Olympics Games," said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, in a statement. "We are thrilled to be teaming with the PWHL and Ally Financial on this milestone event and to bring the excitement of this league to a national audience for the first time."

The game, live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, will air on ION, The E.W. Scripps Companys national sports and entertainment network, Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m. ION will make the game accessible to more than 125 million U.S. households. The game will also simulcast on TV20 Detroit.

We are continuing to fuel this rocket ship that is the PWHL as we expand the reach and exposure of our league to new fans, said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations, in a statement. This firstever national broadcast is a truly historic moment for our league, and with partners like Ally Financial and Scripps Sports, were introducing more people to our fast-paced and exciting game than ever before.

Ally is the presenting sponsor of both the historic telecast and the Takeover Tour game.

At Ally, we believe in deeds, not words. When you give women's sports the platform they deserve, fans show up, players show out, and the entire ecosystem benefits," said Andrea Brimmer, Allys Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer, in a statement. Our 50/50 pledge has always been about equal opportunities for women's sports in media. Delivering this historic PWHL broadcast with Scripps is the next step in elevating world-class athletes and giving fans unprecedented access. And doing it from our hometown of Detroit makes it even sweeter.

ION is available via pay TV, connected TV and free, ad-supported streaming platforms and free over-the-air.

When the Professional Women's Hockey League returns to Detroit at the end of March, 15 Olympians will be taking the ice.

The PWHL Takeover Tour had two games in Detroit this season after an incredibly successful first two games in 2024 and 2025. In January, the Vancouver Goldeneyes beat the Boston Fleet 4-3.

Now, the Montreal Victoire will take on the New York Sirens at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. Between the two teams, there will be 15 Olympians on the ice, including players from gold medal-winning Team USA, silver medalists Team Canada and bronze medalists Team Switzerland.

Team Canada has the most players who will be competing. on the ice in Detroit. In all, eight players from Team Canada will be competing, including Captain Marie-Philip Poulin. Team Czechia and Team Sweden will each have two players, while Teams USA, Germany and Sweden have one player each.

The game in Detroit will also be the first nationally-televised game in the league's history. Ally Financial and Scripps Sports have teamed up with the PWHL to make it happen with the leagues Takeover Tour game between the New York Sirens and the Montral Victoire.

"Fan interest in women's hockey is at an all-time high, buoyed by the amazing success of Team USA in this year's Winter Olympics Games," said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports, in a statement. "We are thrilled to be teaming with the PWHL and Ally Financial on this milestone event and to bring the excitement of this league to a national audience for the first time."

The game, live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, will air on ION, The E.W. Scripps Companys national sports and entertainment network, Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m. ION will make the game accessible to more than 125 million U.S. households. The game will also simulcast on TV20 Detroit.

Tickets are on sale for the game through the PWHL website.

Check out the list of players below

Monreal Victoire

New York Sirens

The Professional Women's Hockey League is making its return to Little Caesars Arena this Saturday for the Takeover Tour game between the Boston Fleet and Vancouver Goldeneyes, bringing special meaning to local players and young fans alike.

With only eight teams in the PWHL and hopes that Detroit will one day have its own franchise, the league's visits to the Motor City have become particularly significant events.

The last two years have seen record attendance at Little Caesars Arena, with more than 14,000 fans packing the venue in March 2025.

"My favorite team in the NHL is the Detroit Red Wings, so I would want there to be a Detroit women's team," said Kimber Burnis from Manistique.

For families like the Burnis family, who traveled over six hours from the Upper Peninsula to watch practice ahead of Saturday's matchup, the PWHL represents new opportunities for young female athletes.

"So now with the PWHL, it's giving, you know, girls her age, above and below, something to work for and look forward to, so for me, that's really what it's all about, and it's exciting to see," Steve Burnis said.

The game holds special significance for several players returning to their home state. Megan Keller, a Farmington Hills native and captain of the Boston Fleet, was recently named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team for what will be her third Olympics.

"Excited to be back home in front of friends and family, and we got the opportunity to play here a couple years ago. It was an amazing crowd, families packed, and you look up in the stands, and you see all these young girls in the crowd, so it's a super special game to be a part of," Keller said.

"It's a huge honor, and it's something that's always been a dream of mine, so looking forward to getting over to Italy," she said about her Olympic selection.

Vancouver's Mellissa Channell-Watkins, who grew up in Plymouth and Canton, echoed the sentiment about inspiring the next generation of female hockey players.

"It's super cool to see people wearing the jersey that you used to wear growing up in the stands, and now those girls have something to look forward to, something to dream for, strive for," Channell-Watkins said.

Young fans like Piper Kincher from Clinton Township are taking notice of the role models these professional athletes provide.

"I feel like we can grow from them. What they do can help us improve skating for us," Kincher said.

The PWHL Takeover Tour game is scheduled for Saturday at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m. You can watch the PWHL Takeover Tour in Detroit at 7 p.m. Saturday on TV20 Detroit.

Michigan will be well-represented on the ice at the 2026 Olympics, as USA Hockey announced the rosters for the men's and women's hockey team on Friday.

Two women from Michigan will be on the women's team.

Megan Keller, who is the captain of the Boston Fleet in the PWHL, will play in her third Olympics. She won gold with Team USA in the 2018 Olympics and silver in 2022. She's a Farmington Hills native.

Kirssten Simms, who is from Plymouth, will make her Olympic debut next month for Team USA. She currently plays for the University of Wisconsin, scoring the game-tying and then game-winning goal in the women's championship game earlier this year for the Badgers.

On the men's side, Dylan Larkin will be on Team USA. Other Michiganders include Kyle Connor, Conner Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski.

Professional women's hockey is returning to Detroit this weekend. Two teams are facing off on neutral ice at Little Caesars Arena.

More than 14,000 people attended the March game in Detroit, giving hockey fans a chance to see the excitement of this league, now in it's third season. Facing off on Saturday night are the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the Boston Fleet.

Boston's Megan Keller is from Farmington, and Vancouver's Mellissa Channell-Watkins is from Plymouth. The athletes told us what it means to play in front of the home crowd.

"Women's hockey continues to grow throughout Detroit and youth hockey continues to get bigger and bigger, so they deserve something to look forward to once they're our age. And now I think they have something to watch and realize their dreams can come true one day; they can be the players skating on the ice at Little Caesars Arena," Keller said.

"Seeing all the girls wearing the same jerseys that I wore growing up in the stands is something that hits close to home, and it just makes me so excited to see where hockey's going to go in the future," Channell-Watkins said.

Fans can watch team practices tomorrow, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday's game is at 7 p.m.; tickets are available at this link.

You can watch PWHL games on TV20. The Ottawa Charge take on the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.

Watch our previous coverage

The Professional Women's Hockey League is coming to Detroit for the third straight season as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour.

According to the league, the tour is expanding to 16 games, with eight in the U.S. and eight in Canada.

Watch below: Detroit shows up big for PWHL Takeover Tour

Detroit will actually host two games during the takeover tour. The first will be between Vancouver and Boston on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Then, New York will take on Montreal on Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m.

Detroit has set a PWHL U.S. attendance record for the past two seasons, including 14,288 fans last year and the one millionth fan in PWHL history.

Season Twos PWHL Takeover Tou was the first of its kind, giving fans across North America the chance to experience the excitement of a regular-season game in their home venues, said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations. The passion and support from fans, and the enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our league, have fueled our ambition to grow the Tour for Season Three.

In 2024, Detroit drew 13,736 fans for the PWHL takeover game between the Boston Fleet and Ottawa Charge, but earlier this year, a game in Denver drew 14,018 fans, breaking the record.

Young women, among those in a record-breaking crowd, held up signs with messages for the Professional Women's Hockey League.

PWHL DETROIT NEEDS A TEAM, was printed on one side of the signs.

The six-team PWHL may expand next season in its third year and is touring cities potentially on the list to get in the game.

Detroit tried to improve its chances of landing a team, drawing 14,288 fans Sunday night to break the attendance record for a professional women's hockey game in the United States as New York beat Minnesota 4-1 at Little Caesars Arena.

The game was part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour of potential expansion venues and its latest stop was a hit, a year after 13,736 fans watched women play professional hockey on the same sheet of ice at the home of the Detroit Red Wings.

As impressive as the turnout has been in Detroit for a pair of PWHL games, it has competition.

Denver drew 14,018 fans, many breaking out in chants of We want a team! to set the previous U.S. record for a professional women's hockey game two months ago in another neutral-site game.

Besides Denver, others in the running include Seattle, Vancouver and Quebec, with the PWHL expected to announce a decision by early April.

Everythings a competition, Frost forward Kendall Coyne Schofield said. Its awesome to see, but I think it also speaks to the demand and how this has been a long time coming.

With the proper support, resources, investment and platform, anything is possible.

The world attendance record for womens hockey was set nearly a year ago when 21,105 people were in the stands for a PWHL game between Montreal and Toronto in the Canadiens arena.

During the first period of the Frost-Sirens game in Detroit, the PWHL announced more than 1 million fans have attended games since the league made its debut last season. Players from both teams gave fans in the stands pucks that commemorated the milestone.

Sometimes, I dont believe its real, PWHL executive vice president Amy Scheer said. When we started last year, we didnt really know what to expect. To be here 16, 17 months later and to break the U.S record (for a pro women's hockey game), to see the Canadian arenas sell out, its surreal.

The hockey, every game is unbelievable. I think on the business side, were putting on a great show for the fans. The fans appreciate it and its really humbling.

Scheer has been careful to not provide any hint regarding which of the 20-plus markets the league expressed interest in as leading the pack. She maintained that market size, potential support and opportunities to reach partnerships with local businesses are being weighed equally.

Geography also isn't considered an issue for a league with three teams each in the U.S. (New York, Boston and Minnesota) and Canada (Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto), and concentrated in the northeast with the exception of Minnesota.

It may be advantageous for the league to add two U.S. teams to help attract a U.S. TV rights deal beyond the regional deals it has now, including a YouTube streaming agreement.

The leagues six teams are centrally run, and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future. Several private parties have approached the PWHL about owning teams outright, but have been turned down.

St. Louis is hosting the ninth and final stop of the Takeover Tour on March 29 when the Ottawa Charge face the Boston Fleet.

The regular season ends May 3 and the puck drops on the PWHL's second postseason the following week.

Expansion was placed on the table last fall, with the league careful to announce it was considering expanding by as many as two teams, and Scheer continuing to say it may be limited to one or none.

"Weve done our homework and research and hopefully well find out what that answer is over the next several weeks, she said. In a perfect world, Id love to know something in the next couple of weeks. When the board decides, theyll let us know.

The City of Detroit once again broke the record for U.S. attendance for women's professional hockey as the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) returned.

According to the PWHL, there were 14,288 fans in attendance at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night as the New York Sirens beat the Minnesota Frost 4-1.

In 2024, Detroit drew 13,736 fans for the PWHL takeover game between the Boston Fleet and Ottawa Charge, but earlier this year, a game in Denver drew 14,018 fans, breaking the record.

Detroit's game was also a historic milestone for the PWHL as the league surpassed one million fans in attendance since its launch. The celebration took place with a special timeout in the first period as fans from both teams went onto the ice.

Since the launch of the league on Jan. 1, 2024, 1,001,648 fans have attended a PWHL game. The league is in its second season and has already exceeded last season's total attendance mark.

Reaching one million fans is a huge milestone for our league, said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. To see the league grow so rapidly is a reflection of the dedication of our players, who demonstrate their world-class talent every day, as well as the countless individuals behind the scenes who work relentlessly to ensure the league's success. The passion and support from our fans has been incredible, and this is only the beginning.

The league is set to announce two new teams as part of the expansion process starting with the 2025-26 season, with the league seeking requests for proposals for several markets.

Detroit is one of the expansion candidates, according to reports, as well as Pittsburgh, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

University of Michigan regent Denise Ilitch told The Associated Press she believes theres enough support for the Big Ten school to launch a Division I womens hockey program that its only a matter of when, not if, it will happen.

I think that the decision to have a DI team is positive, so that would be a yes, Ilitch said by phone on Thursday. I think now, its a matter of how do we get there.

Several issues still need to be resolved, headed by determining whether to build a new facility to house both the mens and womens teams under one roof and how to pay for a project with a projected cost of at least $300 million.

Ilitch, however, expressed confidence in saying she is eager to jumpstart the womens programs launch by identifying an off-campus arena to host the team in the interim.

All I can say is those that are the supporters and the board and the president all want the same thing, said Ilitch, the daughter of Detroit Red Wings owner Marian Ilitch.

So I think well move as quickly as we can, she added. I dont want to put a date on it though but, boy, Im hoping within the next few months were able to have at least a direction on whether itll be Yost or new arena.

The 102-year-old Yost Arena has been the long-time home of the Wolverines mens program, but considered too small to accommodate two varsity teams.

A feasibility study commissioned by the school last year outlined several options, with the cheapest projected to cost about $50 million to expand Yosts footprint. The cons of such a venture are reducing campus and community ice-time availability and valuable parking spaces.

Otherwise, the studys author, Collegiate Sports Associates, estimated it would cost $300 million to build a new one-rink facility with an 8,000-10,000 seating capacity. CSA also priced out a new two-rink facility at $330 million with the second ice sheet providing more revenue-generating potential.

The study placed a conservative estimate in anticipating it would cost Michigan $4.1 million annually to fund a womens program, while noting there are various partnership options including arena naming rights to offset the losses.

Ilitch has been a long-time proponent for Michigan adding a womens program in a bid to fill a major void in the state. Despite producing numerous national team-caliber players, Michigan has lacked a Division 1 team since Detroits Wayne State disbanded its in 2011.

Her comments come at a time womens hockey registration has jumped by nearly 43% nationally over the past decade, a jump in Division III teams, and the sport gaining further traction with last years launch of the six-team PWHL.

On Sunday, Detroit will host its second PWHL neutral site game in two years, with the defending champion Minnesota Frost playing the New York Sirens at the Red Wings home. And Detroit is also a candidate for expansion, with the PWHL considering adding as many as two teams for next season.

Detroit calls itself Hockeytown, so its kind of bizarre to me that there isnt a college team, said New York forward Elle Hartje, who is from Detroit, and played collegiately at Yale. Im appreciative that the PWHL recognizes it as a viable market to expand to. And hopefully, if that does happen itll have a trickle-down effect into the NCAA.

Sirens teammate Abby Roque is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and said she would have considered staying in state had there been a program, while also cherishing her career at Wisconsin.

Having something there for young girls in Michigan now would be incredible, because when you can see it, it really does feel so much more attainable, Roque said.

The CSA study found 45 Michiganders played on women's college rosters during the 2023-24 season. Overall, Michigan ranked fourth that year in the U.S. with 5,327 female hockey registrants behind Minnesota (15,723), Massachusetts (11,763) and New York (6,795).

The Wolverines currently feature a womens club hockey team, which was coached by Jenna Trubiano, who has taken over a strategic advisory role in working with Ilitch to launch a DI program.

Too often, Trubiano said, Michigan-born players leave the state to pursue hockey and never return, leading to a talent drain at the youth girls hockey coaching levels.

Trubiano said what helped spur the women's hockey push at Michigan was arch-rival Ohio State winning two of the past three NCAA titles.

It was really something that put it on the radar for people at Michigan because it was like, OK, Ohio State just won a national championship and how did we do? Well, we dont have a program, she said.

So I was actually rooting for Ohio State. Hey, thats the business right, Trubiano added with a laugh. I see them as a competitor, and Michigan faithful, I believe they want to beat Ohio State in everything.

The Professional Woman's Hockey League is coming back to Detroit this weekend as the Minnesota Frost take on the New York Sirens at Little Caesars Arena.

The game will be played on Sunday night, but some fans can get a chance to see the team during public practices on Saturday.

300 fans can watch the two teams practice on the BELFOR practice rink at Little Caesars Arena starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The first 50 fans will be selected for a meet-and-greet and autograph opportunity for each team.

Last year, Detroit fans set a U.S. record for the largest crowd for a professional women's hockey game when 13,376 fans filled Little Caesars Arena when Ottawa played Boston.

The Detroit Red Wings also play Sunday at 1 p.m., and the first 8,000 fans will receive a PWHL rally towel. Gates open for the game at 6:15 p.m.

The matchup includes four players with Michigan ties. Melissa Channell-Watkins, who plays defense for the Frost, played for Detroit's Little Caesars teams.

For the Sirens, Abby Roque is from Sault Ste. Marie, Elle Hartje is from Bloomfield Hills and was a Jewish News High School Athlete of the Year in 2019 and Taylor Girard played at L'Anse Creuse High School North.

The Professional Women's Hockey League is coming back to Detroit in 2025 as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour.

Last year, Detroit fans set a U.S. record for the largest crowd for a professional women's hockey game when 13,376 fans filled Little Caesars Arena when Ottawa played Boston.

According to the PWHL, the Minnesota Frost will take on the New York Sirens at Little Caesars Arena on March 16.

Bringing PWHL games to fans across both countries is a natural next step as we continue building our audience, said Amy Scheer, PWHL Senior Vice President of Business Operations. When exploring potential locations for a PWHL game, the enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our League was incredibly encouraging. The PWHL Takeover Tour lets us showcase our game and exceptional athletes across a wider North American footprintan exciting moment for our players and an important move for our business as we consider expansion.

Tickets for the game will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 21 for presale and then the public on-sale on Friday, Nov. 22.

Last month, the PWHL said it will launch the expansion process with plans to add as many as two franchises.

Scheer said at a conference the league would begin sending requests for proposals to several markets.

Among the U.S. expansion candidates are Detroit and Pittsburgh, where the PWHL hosted neutral site games during its inaugural season last year. Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia would also be regarded as candidates after both were considered before the league established teams in Boston, New York and Minnesota. Denver and Seattle are also considered potential candidates.

The six-team Professional Womens Hockey League is launching its expansion process with plans to add as many as two franchises for the start of the 2025-26 season, a league executive announced Tuesday.

Speaking at the ESPNW Summit in New York, senior vice president of business operations Amy Scheer said the league will begin sending requests for proposals to several markets starting as early as next week, while also accepting applications.

(Were) looking for the right market size, right fan base, right facilities, right economic opportunity so a lot of research to be done over the next couple months, Scheer said, without specifying which markets the league might be targeting. But yeah, looking to continue to build the league and grow the number of teams.

Among the U.S. expansion candidates are Detroit and Pittsburgh, where the PWHL hosted neutral site games during its inaugural season last year. Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia would also be regarded as candidates after both were considered before the league established teams in Boston, New York and Minnesota. Denver and Seattle are also considered potential candidates.

There were 13,376 fans at Little Caesars Arena for the game in Detroit, breaking the U.S. record for largest crowd for a professional women's hockey game.

In Canada, where the league has teams in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, Quebec City has already announced its intention of being a candidate for an expansion franchise. Calgary would be a potential option with the city previously being home to the Inferno from 2011 to 2019, before the Canadian Women's Hocky League folded.

Scheer also announced the league plans to hold neutral site games in nine markets across North America, and is considering holding an outdoor game. Scheer added the league is also working on holding games in Europe, without specifying when that might happen.

The PWHLs second season opens on Nov. 30, and features an expanded schedule with each team playing 30 games up from 24 last year. The league has yet to announce where its neutral site games will be played.

Quebec City councilor Jackie Smith announced earlier on Tuesday that the PWHL has agreed to play a neutral site game at the citys Videotron Centre on Jan. 19. The PWHLs schedule has Ottawa playing Montreal on that day, with the site yet to be determined.

Smith called the development the first step in Quebec City landing an expansion team.

The Professional Womens Hockey League is in its inaugural season. This past weekend, they made a stop at Little Caesars Arena and they put on quite the show for hockey fans in Detroit. PWHL Ottawa lost to PWHL Boston in a shootout thriller. Detroit doesnt have a professional womens team of their own just yet, but the support is certainly there despite challenges that the growth of the sport might face.

Its my whole life, its my whole life too, said members of the U-10 Metro Junior Jets girls hockey team.

13,376 fans filled Little Caesars Arena for an attendance that broke the US record for largest crowd for a professional womens hockey game.

I think its something these young girls deserve, said Megan Keller, Michigan native and PWHL Boston player. Its something to look up to. Its called Hockeytown for a reason.

Despite Hockeytown and the substantial presence of competitive junior and travel hockey throughout the state, high school hockey is not a sanctioned sport for girls in Michigan. In the 2022-23 season, there are only 41 schools playing girls hockey combining or cooperating to make up only 19 teams. Geoff Kimmerly is the director of communications for the MHSAA. He said the sport has been on their radar for a while, but the numbers of participation are just not there right now.

School based girls hockey is an option and its a great option, said Kimmerly. Its a matter of getting those numbers up to where other sports have been when we have begun to consider sponsorship on our part or a state wide tournament on our part.

Elizabeth Bruso and Kylie Drys play for the Livonia Knights. They have only ever played travel hockey because high school hockey has never been an option for them.

It kind of surprises me, but at the same time it doesnt. There is the room to go there, but it just needs to be introduced, said Bruso.

Taking it one step further, throughout the entire state of Michigan, there is not one single NCAA Division I womens hockey program. Not at Michigan or Michigan State, not at Northern Michigan or Michigan Tech. Charlie Keider is a hockey fan, father, and coach. His daughter plays hockey and he would love to see more opportunities for her.

It is surprising, especially with the amount of universities with mens programs, said Keider. He added that he thinks girls growing up in Michigan are at a disadvantage because they dont have the same type of high school and college opportunities as other states. Absolutely. There are few girls playing out there tonight who couldnt play in their home state or in front of their home state fans.

But that is where the PWHL fills a void for young hockey players and fans in Michigan. Senior Vice President of PWHL Hockey Operations Jayne Hefford says one of the missions of the PWHL is to inspire young girls to get more involved in the sport, both on and off the ice.

You cant be it if you cant see it. For us, its about exposing these players and creating visibility for them.

It is a visibility that hasnt always been there. Keller recalls if she wanted to watch womens hockey, she had to wait to turn on the TV every four years during Olympic coverage. When she was growing up in metro Detroit, she idolized Nicklas Lidstrom, simply because she didnt have any women players to watch.

Hopefully there were a lot of young girls in the crowd tonight and now have a dream and something to look up to and look forward to when theyre our age.

The biggest stars of womens hockey playing in front of the future stars of the game. Members of the Jets said it is amazing to be able to see girls out there on the ice, one even saying how much she looks up to them and hopes that one day I hope Ill be on that ice.

The buzz that the PWHL provided Detroit with was palpable. The atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena for the game was special. Hefford knows that and says it surpassed the PWHLs expectations.

Detroit is a market that we have looked at very closely for a while. I cannot imagine this will be the last time were here, said Hefford.